Pregnancy and Pandemic H1N1 Influenza

Pregnant women are at higher riskto get the flu and to have severe complications

• Preterm labor• Severe pneumonia• Fetal distress• Maternal death

Pregnancy and Pandemic H1N1 Influenza

Symptoms of the H1N1 Virus

• Fever/chills• Cough• Sore throat• Nasal congestion• Headache and/or body aches• Vomiting and diarrhea reported in some cases

Pregnancy and Pandemic H1N1 Influenza

Prevention

• Get a flu shot• Stay away from crowds• Wash your hands often with soap and water • Isolate self from family members

with influenza

Pregnancy and Pandemic H1N1 Influenza

Treatment

• Call your doctor• Take acetaminophen to reduce fever• Drink lots of fluids to prevent dehydration• Take prescribed flu medications as directed

Pregnancy and Pandemic H1N1 Influenza

Breastfeeding

• The best thing you can do to protect your baby fromH1N1 is to start or continue to breastfeed

• Breast milk has antibodies in it that help the baby fight disease

• Start breastfeeding after delivery and feed frequently to protect your baby

• Do not stop breastfeeding if you or the baby are ill