Pregnancy and the Flu
Pregnant women and babies (under six months of age) who get any type of flu are at risk for serious complications, including risk of hospitalization, pneumonia, preterm delivery, and death, and there are particular concerns about serious complications from H1N1 flu in pregnant women. The CDC, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend that all pregnant women should be vaccinated against H1N1 flu both for their own health and to avoid exposing newborns to influenza.
Vaccination is the best way to protect against getting seriously ill from the flu.
BWH recommends that all pregnant and recently postpartum women receive both the seasonal influenza vaccine and the H1N1 vaccine whenever they become available. The seasonal flu shot does NOT protect against H1N1 flu. Because pregnant women are in a “high risk” category, they will be able to receive both vaccines even if the vaccines are in short supply. Vaccinations should be available in your obstetrical clinic or office, at work, or through community “flu clinics”.
Both vaccines are given as a single shot in the upper arm and can be given at the same time. The “flu shot” for seasonal flu is considered to be safe during pregnancy. In addition, although the H1N1 vaccine has not been tested in large groups of pregnant women, it is made in the same way as the seasonal flu vaccine, and both are made from virus that has been killed so the vaccine cannot give you the flu. The benefits to receiving the H1N1 vaccine are considered to be much greater than possible risks. The vaccines are not 100% perfect in preventing seasonal flu or H1N1 flu. It is still important to pay attention to avoiding exposure to the flu, and to call/seek medical attention promptly if you experience symptoms that may be related to the flu.
More information about the H1N1 vaccine for pregnant women is available at the CDC website.
What should you do if you develop symptoms of H1N1 flu?
The symptoms of novel H1N1 flu virus are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue, vomiting and diarrhea. The time period between when you are exposed to influenza and development of symptoms is 1-7 days.
Pregnant women who experience these symptoms should contact their physician:
Fever >101Shortness of Breath/trouble breathingChest Pain or pressureAbdominal painSevere or persistent vomiting or diarrheaInability to take or keep down fluidsConfusionIf initial flu symptoms went away but then have returned with fever and/or worse coughHad close contact (e.g., cared for, lived with) with people who have an influenza-like illness
If you have any of the above symptoms, you may need to be seen. If you are coming in to be evaluated, make sure to let the clinic staff know about your symptoms beforehand so that they can give you a mask to wear and see you as quickly as possible. Most pregnant women with symptoms of the flu should receive antiviral medications as soon as possible after the start of symptoms. Some pregnant women who have had close contact with other people with influenza should receive antiviral medications to prevent or decrease the severity of the flu.
Additional Resources for Pregnant Women:
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