News reports from around the globe have indicated that swine flu is still a threat, especially during pregnancy. So far there have been 3009 reported cases in the United States and nearly 32,000 in Mexico. Of the three reported deaths in the US, one was a 33 year old woman in Texas who was pregnant. The total number of reported cases of pregnant women in the US who have contracted swine flu is approximately 20.
Bear in mind that these numbers are only a small representation of the actual numbers of people carrying the virus since many people who become ill are not seeking medical help or treatment, according to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control).
Although the spread of this virus does appear to be slowing down, official are still cautioning the public, including women during pregnancy, about ways to avoid this virus and quickly find treatment for this potentially life-threatening flu.
Symptoms and Complications of Swine Flu Observed During Pregnancy
The symptoms of swine flu will appear very much like other flu-related symptoms you may have experienced in the past, including fever, sore throat, cough, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. In some cases, swine flu may manifest itself with nausea and vomiting.
The CDC has reported that swine flu has the potential for additional complications for pregnant mothers, including pre-term birth, dehydration and pneumonia.
Treatment of Swine Flu During Pregnancy
Care providers may be reluctant to recommend treatment for pregnant women since it is common practice to restrict many medications during pregnancy. However, officials believe that the benefits provided by the anti-viral medications outweigh the risks. The threat of complications from swine flu are great enough that experts are recommending pregnant women receive anti-viral medications as quickly as possible after testing positive for swine flu. The anti-viral medications that can be prescribed for pregnant women include Tamiflu and Relenza.
Preparing for the Winter Flu Season
Experts predict that swine flu we are seeing could mutate over the next few months into an even more deadly form of the virus by the time the winter flu season occurs. The new strain of this virus, also known as H1N1, is a unique combination of bird, pig and human viruses and could continue to be a health threat later in the year if it does, in fact, mutate to a more deadly type of virus.
How to Prevent Spread of Swine Flu
This disease can be spread between humans by coughing, sneezing or touching something that has been contaminated with the virus (such as a door knob) and then touching their nose, eyes or mouth. Contrary to what some believe, it cannot be spread to humans by eating pork or pork products. The most contagious period is the first 5 days of contracting the virus.
Some of the best ways to prevent from getting sick with swine flu is frequent hand washing (or using hand sanitizers if water is not available) and being careful when touching counter and tabletops, door knobs and other places where tiny droplets of the virus can remain. If you become ill with any of the symptoms listed above, be sure you see your care provider as soon as possible and avoid public places as much as possible.
Brenda Lane - Brenda Lane is a published author, Lamaze certified childbirth educator, DONA certified birth doula and approved birth doula trainer.
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