H1N1 & Seasonal Flu

• H1N1 Vaccine & Resources
• For Hospital Visitors
• Pregnancy & Influenza FAQs
• Flu Info for Maternity Care Patients
• Protect Your Newborn from the Flu
• Seasonal Flu Shots

 

Pregnancy and Influenza:
Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to know about my pregnancy and H1N1 novel influenza?

Pregnant women have signs and symptoms of H1N1 influenza similar to those in other people. For most pregnant women, 2009 H1N1 flu has been a mild illness.  However, some pregnant women have become very sick. For this reason, a pregnant woman who thinks she might have the flu needs to call her doctor right away.

Care providers at HealthEast join the national and state experts at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Minnesota Department of Health in urging pregnant women to receive the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccination, as well as a vaccine against seasonal influenza. While hand washing, staying away from ill people, and other steps can help protect pregnant women from influenza, vaccination is the single best way to protect against influenza. 

What steps should I take now about my pregnancy and influenza?

Talk with your physician or midwife about the early symptoms of influenza and an action plan to make sure you are treated quickly if you become ill. It's always better to avoid getting the flu in the first place. The best way to prevent influenza is by getting vaccinated. Pregnant women are in a high priority group for receiving the H1N1 vaccine. HealthEast is committed to making sure it is available to you as soon as we, along with other health care providers, receive our supply of vaccines from the state and federal government.

The vaccine will come in two forms – the injectable (“shot”) and the nasal mist. Pregnant women, and those attempting to conceive, cannot take the nasal mist. The injectable vaccine will be available to you when HealthEast and other health care providers receive our supply.

How does 2009 H1N1 flu affect a pregnant woman?

Pregnant women have signs and symptoms of H1N1 flu similar to those in other people. Flu signs and symptoms include:

• Fever
• Cough
• sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Body aches
• Headache
• Chills

Some people with this virus also have had diarrhea or vomiting. People may only have some of these symptoms and still have influenza. Some people have not had a fever but still have had 2009 H1N1 influenza.

What should I do if I think I have the flu? 

Call your physician or midwife right away. If needed, you will receive a prescription for an antiviral medicine that treats influenza. The medicine is most helpful if it is started soon (within the first 48 hours) after you become ill. These medicines fight against influenza by keeping its viruses from creating more of themselves inside your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious health problems that can result from influenza.

What should I do if I have a fever?

Fevers should be treated right away because they can cause problems for you and your unborn child. Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) is best for a pregnant woman to use to lower a fever. 

Is there a test to know for sure if I have 2009 H1N1 flu?

Some health care providers will do a rapid test (one that gives results the same day) to see if a patient has flu. The rapid test looks for several flu viruses, not just for 2009 H1N1 flu virus. These tests are not perfect - even when a person has 2009 H1N1 flu, the test might be negative.

There is another test that will look just for 2009 H1N1 influenza. This test is done in public health and research laboratories; it usually takes a few days. If the doctor thinks a pregnant woman has flu, he or she should not wait for test results to start the woman on antiviral medicines.

Is it safe for me to take an antiviral medicine for influenza while I am pregnant?

Yes. Being pregnant should not stop women from using antiviral medicines if their doctor advises them to take the medicine. Influenza can cause severe illness and even death in pregnant women. Taking antiviral medicine can help prevent these severe outcomes. At this time, there are no studies suggesting harm to a pregnant woman or her unborn baby if she takes antiviral medicine. Antiviral medicines can be taken at any stage during pregnancy.

What is the difference between antiviral medicines for flu and antibiotics?

Antiviral medicines for flu reduce the ability of the influenza viruses to make more influenza viruses in the body. Antibiotics kill or stop the growth of bacteria. Most women with influenza will be prescribed an antiviral medicine (Tamiflu® or Relenza®). But, if the doctor is concerned that a woman has a bacterial infection, in addition to the flu, an antibiotic may also be prescribed.

What should I do if I have come in close contact with someone who has the influenza?

Call your doctor or midwife right away. Sometimes, a prescription for antiviral medication will be given to decrease the chances of illness. Other times, this might not be needed; providers instead recommend antivirals only to women who become ill.

If I had H1N1 influenza already, should I be vaccinated? If I was vaccinated against seasonal influenza, do I need to be vaccinated against H1N1?

Yes, the CDC and MDH recommend vaccination to help protect you during the upcoming season. And, yes, you will need a vaccine against H1N1 in addition to the one for seasonal influenza. 

Where can I go for more information?

Helpful, accurate information is available at these Web sites:

• The March of Dimes
• The Minnesota Department of Health
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Resources for pregnant women

The information above is provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and HealthEast Care System