Pregnancy Swine Flu

Pregnancy swine flu

Pregnant women, even if they are healthy, are at high risk of hospitalization and death from H1N1 swine flu, this is the findings of a CDC report.

A CDC analysis shows that pregnant women are much more likely than the general population to develop severe disease after infection with the swine flu virus. They are four times more likely to be hospitalized, with an unusually high death rate.

The findings do not mean that all pregnant women will suffer severe disease, but the likelihood is increased in pregnant women. Pregnancy and swine flu are a bad combination.

During pregnancu, your immune system is weaker, so you’re more vulnerable to illness in general. During pregnancy, any type of flu can get bad very quickly and be complicated by infections such as pneumonia or by fetal distress.

Many moms-to-be who get the flu have no complications. But statistically, you’re more likely to develop a severe case when you’re pregnant.

How can I avoid catching swine flu?

Get the swine flu vaccination as soon as possible. It takes a while for immunity to develop after you get the vaccine but it will protect you
Hygiene is an important weapon in preventing Swine Flu in pregnancy. Wash your hands frequently, including immediately before eating, after sneezing, and after going to the bathroom. Use good hand-washing techniques, rubbing both sides of your soapy hands for at least 15 seconds and rinsing with plenty of water.
Be careful that you don’t spread your infections. Don’t cough or sneeze into your bare hands. That puts the virus is all over your hands, where it can easily spread to others. Instead, cover your mouth with your arm and cough or sneeze into your sleeve or cover your nose and mouth with a disposable tissue and throw it away after using.
Viruses and bacteria can live two to eight hours on hard surfaces. Wipe down surfaces at home such as toys, bedside tables, doorknobs, telephones, and bathroom and kitchen counters with a disinfectant, following directions on the label.
Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. You may think your hands are clean, but if your hands have touched a doorknob, a cup, a refrigerator handle, or any other item that someone else has touched with a virus-covered hand, your hands carry the virus and can infect you.
Keep at least 6 feet away from people who are sick, including anyone in your household who is sick.