Swine flu advice for pregnant women
With the swine flu pandemic continuing to affect increasing numbers
of people across much of the UK, we have pulled together helpful advice
and links to further sources of information for parents and families on
what to look for and what to do if you suspect that you or your kids
may have swine flu.
As the swine flu pandemic runs it course,
advice from the government and medical authorities is under continuous
review. As a result, we will be updating this page on a regular basis
to reflect the latest advice and recommendations.
Last update : Wednesday 22nd July 2009
Swine flu advice for pregnant women
Despite apparently mixed messages in the last week, the advice for pregnant women remains pretty much the same as before.
Pregnant women are one of the groups who are at increased risk from contracting swine flu due to their suppressed immune system.
Pregnant women should follow the general advice for all people regarding swine flu.
Practising good hygiene, washing hands and surfaces regularly are particularly important.
Whilst the Royal College of Midwives has recommended that pregnant women may want to consider avoiding very crowded places and unnecessary travel, other experts and the Department of Health stress that this is not essential. DoH guidance suggests that expectant women should not worry unduly about the risks and should carry on with their normal daily lives as much as possible.
It is more important for people who think that they may have contracted swine flu to avoid crowds and travel in order to reduce the risk of transmitting the infection to others.
Expectant mothers could suffer possible complications if they contract swine flu, such as pneumonia, breathing difficulties and dehydration, as they have suppressed immune systems. Young children are also vulnerable.
Most mothers-to-be who have contracted swine flu are being prescribed Relenza, an inhaled antiviral drug which treats the virus without reaching the foetus. However, where the infection is particularly severe, doctors can offer Tamiflu instead
The NHS website stresses that, similarly to the rest of the population, the majority of pregnant women who catch swine flu will only have mild symptoms and can expect a full recovery in a week or two.
Earlier advice by the National Childbirth Trust suggesting women delay pregnancy have been widely condemned and have now been downplayed by the NCT.
The bottom line is that pregnant women are generally more susceptible to all infections, including flu and swine flu. They should take sensible precautions, balancing the risks and making informed decisions.
Remember - swine flu is for the most part a mild strain of flu. It appears to be less virulent or dangerous than normal seasonal flu.
For
further information on the symptoms of swine flu, how people catch it,
how to reduce the likelihood of catching it as well as advice on what
to do if you think you may have caught swine flu, please follow the
links below.
Further useful information and advice on swine flu:
Swine Flu - Background
What are the symptoms of swine flu?
How do you catch swine flu?
What precautions can I take to avoid catching swine flu?
What to do if I think I have swine flu or if one of my family may have it?
Advice about Swine Flu for businesses and employers (link coming shortly)
Useful sources of further information on swine flu
Swine flu Q&A from the BBC news website
Swine flu advice from the NHS