Frequently Asked Questions Concerning

H1N1 Flu and Pregnancy

Is a vaccine for the H1N1 flu available?

A H1N1 flu vaccine is currently available on a weekly allotment basis. The State of Florida is developing a distribution plan based on availability and priorities. Individuals who are pregnant are given the highest priority.

Should I receive the vaccine if I am pregnant?

Yes. The vaccine is safe for you and your unborn child. H1N1 flu can be more serious in pregnant women, particularly in the second and third trimester because of reduced lung capacity at that time. Information available at this time suggests that pregnant women should also receive a separate vaccine for the common seasonal flu.

Will I be able to receive the vaccine at my obstetrician’s office?

At the present time, the vaccine is available to our practice sites on a weely allotment basis.  

What should I do if I have been exposed to a person who has the H1N1 flu or if I have symptoms suggesting that I may have the flu?

It is very important that you contact your obstetrician’s office immediately if you have significant exposure to someone who has H1N1 flu or if you have symptoms suggesting that you may have the flu. It is important that you do not come to our facility without contacting us beforehand. Each of our offices has a specific plan in place to examine you without unnecessarily exposing other patients and health care workers. If our clinicians believe that your exposure is significant or if your symptoms are suggestive, you will be treated with an antiviral agent that is appropriate for the situation. On occasion, your provider may elect to prescribe this medication by telephone.

Are the antiviral medications safe for my baby?

Yes, current research suggests that the medications recommended for treatment are safe for you and your baby. Similar treatment recommendations are recommended for children of all ages.

What can I do to protect myself, my baby and my family?

Take these everyday steps to help prevent the spread of germs and protect your health:

·         Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or sneeze into your sleeve.

·         Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

·         Wash your hands often with soap and warm water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol based gel hand cleaners are also good to use.

·         Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

·         Try to avoid close contact with sick people. (If you are pregnant and you live or have close contact with someone who has H1N1 flu, talk to your doctor about medicines to prevent flu.)

·         Have a plan to care for sick family members.

·         Stock up on household, health, and emergency supplies, such as water, Tylenol®, non-perishable foods.

·         Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs

o        Washing with soap and water

Use warm water.

Wash for 15 to 20 seconds.

o        Using alcohol-based gel hand cleaner

Don’t add water.

Rub the gel on your hands until dry.

What are the symptoms of H1N1?

Symptoms are like seasonal flu and include the following:

·         Fever

·         Cough

·         Sore throat

·         Body aches

·         Headaches

·         Chills and fatigue

·         Sometimes, diarrhea and vomiting

How should I treat H1N1 Flu or Exposure?

·         Take your temp every 6 hours.

·         If your temp is 100.4 degrees or higher, take Tylenol, 2 tablets (500 mg) every 6-8 hours.

·         Drink plenty of fluids to replace those you lose when you are sick.

·         Your doctor will decide if you need antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu® (oseltamivir) or Relenza® (zanamivir). Antiviral drugs are prescription pills, liquids or inhalers that fight against the flu by keeping the germs from growing in your body. These medicines can make you feel better faster and make your symptoms milder.

·         These medicines work best when started soon after symptoms begin (within two [2] days), but they may also be given to very sick or high risk people (like pregnant women) even after 48 hours. Antiviral treatment is taken for 5 days.

·         Tamiflu® and Relenza® are also used to prevent H1N1 flu and are taken for 10 days.

·         There is little information about the effect of antiviral drugs in pregnant women or their babies, but no serious side effects have been reported. If you do think you have had a side effect to antiviral drugs, call your doctor right away.

When should I get emergency medical care?

If you have any of these signs, seek emergency medical care right away:

·         Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

·         Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen

·         Sudden dizziness

·         Confusion

·         Severe or persistent vomiting

·         Decreased or no movement of your baby

·         A high fever that is not responding to Tylenol®

How should I feed my baby?

Flu can be very serious in young babies. Babies who are breastfed do not get as sick and are sick less often from the flu, than do babies who are not breastfed. Breastfeeding protects babies. Breast milk passes on antibodies from the mother to a baby. Antibodies help fight off infection.

Is it ok to breastfeed my baby if I am sick?

·         A mother’s milk is made to fight diseases in her baby. This is really important in young babies when their immune system is still growing.

·         Do not stop breastfeeding if you are ill. Breastfeed early and often. Limit formula feeds if you can. This will help protect your baby from infection.

·         Be careful not to cough or sneeze in the baby’s face; wash your hands often with soap and water.

·         Your doctor might ask you to wear a mask to keep from spreading this new virus to your baby.

·         If you are too sick to breastfeed, pump and have someone give the expressed milk to your baby.

Is it OK to take medicine to treat or prevent H1N1 flu while breastfeeding?

Yes. Mothers who are breastfeeding can continue to nurse their babies while being treated for the flu.

For more information from the CDC about H1N1 influenza, go to www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu