Advice from the Center for Disease Control Concerning Pregnant Women with H1N1 Influenza
Because pregnant women with influenza are at higher than average risk of complications from influenza, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has recommended prompt treatment for pregnant women with influenza-like symptoms. The CDC recommends that doctors and patients should not wait for definitive lab reports before starting antiviral medications because the best response to antiviral medications is seen when treatment is initiated early in the course of the illness. Pregnant women who have been exposed to the H1N1 influenza strain by a family member or other close contact should also be treated promptly even if they do not have any symptoms- this is called chemoprophylaxis.
Pregnant women should see their obstetrician promptly or go to the emergency room if respiratory illness is experienced. The symptoms of influenza include cough, sore throat, rhinorrhea, fever, body aches, headache, fatigue, vomiting and diarrhea. To prevent influenza remember to get your yearly influenza vaccine, avoid people with known respiratory illnesses, wash your hands regularly and cover your cough.
For more detailed information, see the CDC webpage on pregnant women with H1N1 influenza.
