Advice for Women who are Pregnant

If you are expecting, you may be wondering "what if I get H1N1 influenza while I am pregnant?" Pregnant women with H1N1 flu seem to be more likely to become sicker than other people with H1N1 flu. Serious problems such as early labor or severe pneumonia have occurred.

For the best protection of all – get the H1N1 flu vaccine as soon as possible. Pregnant women are a priority group for getting the H1N1 flu vaccine. Talk to your doctor or your county health department about getting this vaccine. Also, be sure to get vaccinated against seasonal flu if the vaccine is available to you, since seasonal flu can also cause serious problems in pregnant women and place them and their pregnancy at risk of serious complications.

Why get vaccinated now; isn't flu activity declining?

Typically, the most flu activity in New York State occurs from January through March and the flu season runs until May. Getting vaccinated now with both seasonal flu vaccine and H1N1 flu vaccine will provide protection for you against flu for the rest of the season this winter and spring.

To further protect yourself, your baby and family

Take these everyday steps to help prevent the spread of germs and reduce your risk of getting the flu:

  • 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 the 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, acetaminophen (Tylenol®), and non-perishable foods.

Watch for flu symptoms

Symptoms of H1N1 flu are like those of seasonal flu and include:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Body aches
  • Headaches
  • Chills and fatigue and
  • Sometimes, diarrhea and vomiting.

If there is H1N1 flu in your community, pay extra attention to how you are feeling. If you get sick with flu-like symptoms, stay home, limit contact with others, and call your doctor right away. Your doctor will decide if testing or treatment is needed.

If you have close contact with someone who has H1N1 flu or flu-like symptoms, or is being treated for exposure to H1N1 flu, contact your doctor to discuss whether you need antiviral drugs to reduce your chances of getting the flu.

Treatment for H1N1 flu is similar to the treatment for regular, seasonal flu.

Treat any fever right away.

  • Use acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol®) to lower fever.
  • 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. If you are exposed to the flu, ask your doctor if you should take them to prevent illness. If you get the flu, these medicines can make you feel better faster and make your symptoms milder. Antiviral medicines work best when started soon after symptoms begin (within two days), but they may also be given to very sick or high risk people (like pregnant women) even after two days.

Seek emergency medical care right away if you have

  • 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 acetaminophen.

A word about breast-feeding

Mothers who are not ill should initiate breastfeeding early and feed frequently. Remember, 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. Babies who are breastfed do not get as sick and are sick less often from the flu than are babies who are not breast-fed.

If possible, only adults who are not ill should care for infants, including providing feedings. If you are ill and are breastfeeding or giving your baby infant formula, you may wish to ask for help from someone who is not sick to feed and care for your baby. If you are breastfeeding, someone who is not sick can give your baby your expressed milk.

It is OK to take medicines to treat the flu while you are breastfeeding

If there is no one else who can take care of your baby while you are sick, try the following:

  • Wear a face mask when you are feeding or caring for your baby.
  • Be careful not to cough or sneeze when you are close to your baby.
  • Wash your hands frequently.
  • Use a cloth blanket between you and your baby during feedings.

More information about the flu is available at www.nyhealth.gov and www.flu.gov. Check with your doctor if you have specific questions or concerns.