Information about Pregnancy, H1N1 Flu, and H1N1 vaccine:

• Pregnancy, Flu & Flu Vaccines Fact Sheet  (WVDHHR)

 

• What pregnant women should know about the H1N1/Swine Flu.  (CDC)
  
  
• Information for pregnant women who are likely to be exposed to H1N1 in the workplace. (CDC)
  
  
• H1N1 Vaccines and pregnant women.  (CDC)
  
  
• Pregnant women and H1N1: Five things you need to know. (CDC)
   
• H1N1 Flu and Feeding Your Baby (CDC)

 

 

Common Questions about Pregnancy & H1N1 Flu

 

What are the risks for Pregnant women infected with the H1N1/Swine Flu?

 

While most pregnant women recover from H1N1 Flu they can be at risk for the following:

• Early labor
  
  
• Severe pneumonia
  
  
• Death
  
  
  

Do pregnant women get sick and die from the seasonal flu and the H1N1/Swine Flu at higher rates than the general population?

• Pregnant women make up 1% of the U.S. population, but make up 6% of H1N1/Swine Flu deaths.
  
  
  

How can I protect myself and my baby?

• The most effective protection is vaccination.
  
  
• It is highly recommended that pregnant women also get the seasonal flu shot, which is currently available.
  
  
• Babies born to a mother who has had a seasonal flu shot have been shown to be protected from the seasonal flu up to six months of age.  The same should be true with H1N1 flu vaccination.

 

• Anyone in your household or anyone who will be taking care of your baby should get both the H1N1 Flu vaccination and seasonal flu vaccination.
  
  
• Call your doctor immediately if you develop respiratory symptoms and fever.  Your doctor will likely recommend treating you with antiviral medication. 

 

• Contact your doctor immediately if you come into close contact with someone infected with the H1N1/Swine Flu. Your doctor might recommend treating you with antiviral drugs to prevent infection.  An alternative approach is to watch for symptoms and start antiviral treatment early if they occur.  
  
  
  
  

Should pregnant women get the H1N1 Flu shot?

• Yes, CDC and all major medical professional associations agree that pregnant women should be vaccinated against H1N1 flu.
  
  
• Pregnant women have been safely vaccinated against seasonal flu for years.  The H1N1 Flu vaccination was developed and produced in the same way seasonal flu shots are produced.
  
  
  

How else can I protect myself from H1N1 and Seasonal Flu?

• Good hand hygiene helps prevent disease.  Wash your hands frequently or use alcohol-based sanitizer to cleanse your hands when soap and water are not available.
  
  
• Sneeze and cough into a tissue (dispose of the tissue immediately) or cough into your elbow or shoulder when tissues are not available.
  
  
• Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes. These are the ways the H1N1/Swine Flu can enter the body.
  
  
• Avoid contact with those who are sick.  Try to stay at least 6 feet away when contact cannot be avoided.

  
  

  
  

What are the symptoms of the H1N1/Swine Flu?

• You may have some or all of the following symptoms
• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Body aches
• Runny or Stuffy Nose
• Chills
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
  
  
  

What if I get flu-like symptoms?

• Call or see your doctor as soon as symptoms begin.   If you doctor believes you have flu, he or she will likely treat you with anitviral medications.
  
  
  

What are signs of complications?

• If you experience any of these symptoms, seek emergency medical help immediately:
• difficulty breathing or shortness of breath,
• dizziness,
• pain or pressure in the abdomen or chest,
• extreme or repetitive vomiting,
• high fever that is not being affected by fever reducers or
• decreased movement from your baby.