A Joint Statement regarding the H1N1 virus was just released by several organizations whose main purpose is to monitor care for pregnant women and children, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Nurse Midwives. They are urging pregnant women to take this threat seriously. They recommend getting immunized against the seasonal flu now and becoming immunized with the H1N1 vaccination as soon as it becomes available.
They also recommend that if a pregnant woman notices flu symptoms (fever, cough and sore throat), she should contact her healthcare provider immediately for treatment. Pregnant women are at an increased risk for complications from the flu, especially severe respiratory infections. There have already been reported deaths in healthy pregnant women due to the H1N1 influenza virus.
For the most current guidelines recommended by the Center for Disease Control, click here:
What Pregnant Women Should Know About H1N1 (formerly called Swine Flu) Virus
For additional information, please refer to the following links:
H1N1 in Pennsylvania
Information About H1N1 (Swine Flu), Avian and Other Forms of Influenza
Center for Disease Control
What can you do to stay healthy?
Last Updated: September 28, 2009