Pregnancy does not make women more susceptible to contracting seasonal flu, but it does make them more likely to experience symptoms and develop complications compared to non-pregnant women of the same age. These complications may include premature labour and pneumonia. It is not known whether the influenza A(H1N1)v virus will cause these kinds of problems, but it is likely that it involves a similar risk of complications. However, most pregnant women have not experienced any problems during pregnancy and delivery.
To protect your health, wash your hands often and with care and avoid contact with infected people as well as large public gatherings.
If you cannot avoid contact with people who might have swine flu (e.g. family members), avoid being in close contact with them.
Pregnant women (during and 4 weeks after pregnancy), people who suspect they have been infected or people who have severe symptoms should contact a health centre immediately when symptoms appear in order to determine the need for medical or other treatment. If necessary, patients will be admitted for treatment at the health centre or a hospital.
The most common symptoms of influenza are a sudden fever of 38 °C or more, a sore throat, cough and a runny nose. Typically, swine flu does not start with just a runny nose. Other influenza symptoms include body aches, headache, chills and tiredness. Some people with swine flu have also reported vomiting and diarrhoea.
Laboratory tests are required to confirm whether a person has been infected with influenza A(H1N1)v. These tests are carried out for all persons who are hospitalised and, when necessary, also for high-risk individuals.
The use of antiviral drugs (oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza)) during pregnancy has been approved by both the CDC (US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and the ECDC (European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control).
Treatment with antiviral drugs should be initiated as soon as possible after the onset of symptoms. The drugs work best when treatment is initiated within 48 hours after symptoms start, but they may be given to critically ill or high-risk individuals (e.g. pregnant women) even after that. The recommended duration of antiviral treatment is five days.
Tamiflu and Relenza are not recommended to prevent the contraction of the influenza A(H1N1)v virus.
The use of antiviral drugs (oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza)) during pregnancy has been approved by both the CDC (US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and the ECDC (European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control). There is little information about the effects of antiviral drugs in pregnant women or infants, but no serious side effects have been reported.
Fever from influenza can be treated with over-the-counter drugs, such as paracetamol. Resting and drinking plenty of fluids are also important. If you need to be home alone, have someone check in with you regularly while you are ill.
Yes. Mothers make antibodies to fight diseases they come in contact with, and pass on these protective antibodies to their baby during breastfeeding. Babies who are breastfed do not become as ill as babies who are not breastfed.
Based on what is known of seasonal flu it is not likely that the A(H1N1)v virus will transmit from the mother to the baby through breast milk.
Do not cough or sneeze in the baby’s face and wash your hands often with soap and water when you are nursing him or her. You can also wear a face mask. If possible, have someone who is not ill take care of the baby between the feedings.
If you are too ill to breastfeed, pump and have someone give the expressed milk to your baby.
Yes. Women who are breastfeeding can continue to do so while receiving antiviral treatment.
Yes. It is highly recommended to continue breastfeeding even if the baby is ill. The baby should be given many chances to breastfeed throughout the illness. Babies who are ill need more fluids, and the fluid from breast milk is better than anything else. If the baby is too ill to breastfeed, he or she can drink expressed milk from a bottle, cup, syringe or dropper. Even small amounts of breast milk will do, as the milk contains antibodies that help fight off the infection.