H1N1 virus, Swine flu, and pregnancy can be a lethal combination.
Pregnant woman, or women who are trying to become pregnant, should be informed about the possibility and risks of H1N1 virus/Swine Flu infection. Dr. Berger and Dr. Monteith of A Personal Choice have written this blog to inform their tubal reversal patients about the recent H1N1 flu epidemic and their recommendations about H1N1 vaccination. The article includes a brief history of H1N1, common symptoms, and the significance of Swine flu vaccination for tubal reversal patients who have serious medical conditions, are pregnant, seeking to become pregnant, or live with young children.
H1N1, Swine Flu: What And Where Did it Come From?
Swine Flu is caused by the H1N1 virus. The H1N1 virus is an influenza A type virus. This virus was first identified in pigs and, as a result, infections with this virus are commonly called ‘Swine Flu’. The current H1N1/Swine flu virus is a new variation of the influenza A virus. It is extremely contagious and is spreading rapidly throughout the world.
The first reported cases of H1N1 appeared in Mexico in March of 2009. By April, the United States had identified individuals testing positive for the virus. By June of 2009, all 50 United States had reported infections with H1N1 virus. In mid-June, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global pandemic. Since then, H1N1 infections have continued to spread and over 150 countries have now reported outbreaks.
How is H1N1 Swine Flu Spread?
The H1N1 virus is spread by contact and by inhalation of virus particles. Persons infected with H1N1 virus can infect other people one day before they become symptomatic and for up to 7 days after their symptoms begin. The virus can be spread by touching contaminated hands to the mouth, eyes, and nose. It can also be spread by breathing in virus particles that have been exhaled by infected people. Attention to hand washing, covering one’s mouth when coughing and sneezing, wearing a mask if actively coughing, and staying at home if you have symptoms of H1N1 virus are all recommended to prevent acquiring and/or spreading infection.
Symptoms
Symptoms of H1N1 virus are similar to typical flu symptoms. Common symptoms are:
*fever
*cough
*sore throat
*runny nose
*body aches
*headaches
*vomiting
*diarrhea
If any of these symptoms rapidly appear then a person who has a serious medical condition or is pregnant should immediately seek the advice of health professional.
H1N1 and Pregnancy: A Potentially Deadly Combination
H1N1 and pregnancy can be a lethal combination. Historically, influenza virus has most seriously affected older people; however, the H1N1 virus seems to be very contagious and potentially deadly to younger, healthier populations. Pregnant women are included in this group. Because the immune system of pregnant women is somewhat suppressed, they run a four times greater risk of being hospitalized and having complications from flu than non-pregnant women.
Risks of H1N1 in Pregnancy
Risks of H1N1 exist for both the mother and the unborn/newborn child. Of 100 pregnant U.S. women hospitalized with H1N1 flu, 28 have died, according to the most recent statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Infections with H1N1 in pregnant woman can overwhelm the maternal immune system and result in other bacterial infections – the most common co-existing infection is pneumonia.
In addition to the potentially serious risks to the health of the mother, H1N1 virus infection in the mother has risks to the unborn child. This has also been observed with traditional influenza infections. Infection with the influenza virus causes maternal fever, and the higher maternal temperature can cause birth defects in the infant and preterm delivery of the infant. Newborn infants are also at greater risk because of their under-developed immune systems during the first months of life.
H1N1 Vaccination And Pregnancy
H1N1 vaccination is a recommendation by the CDC for pregnant women. Pregnant women should not receive the flu mist nasal spray vaccine for either seasonal flu or 2009 H1N1 flu because these contain live, attenuated virus. The injectable vaccine containing inactivated viral particles should be used for pregnant women or those who might become pregnant. If a pregnant woman gets the H1N1 flu, taking antiviral medication as soon as possible is recommended.
Tubal Reversal And H1N1 Virus
The tubal reversal doctors at A Personal Choice encourage our patients – especially those who are pregnant and those with serious medical conditions – to obtain the H1N1 vaccination. We also advise frequent and meticulous hand washing and respiratory precautions.
If you have fever or symptoms of influenza infection then you should avoid other people until 24 hours after your fever has resolved.
People who are allergic to eggs might be at risk for allergic reactions from receiving influenza vaccines, including the 2009 H1N1 vaccine. People who have had any of the following symptoms or experiences should consult with a doctor or other medical professional before considering any influenza vaccination:
* hives or swelling of the lips or tongue
* acute respiratory distress (trouble breathing) after eating eggs
* documented hypersensitivity to eggs, including those who have had asthma related to egg exposure at their workplace or other allergic responses to egg protein
Prevention
* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
* Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
* Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
Where will the vaccine be available?
Vaccine will be available in a combination of settings such as vaccination clinics organized by local health departments, health care provider offices, schools, and other private settings, such as pharmacies and workplaces.
More Information On H1N1 Swine Flu And Pregnancy
More extensive information on the H1N1 influenza/ Swine flu virus and pregnancy is available at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and at Flu.gov.
Submitted by Dr. Charles Monteith and Dr. Gary Berger
