H1N1 and Expectant Families
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), pregnant women are at higher risk for severe complications and death from influenza, including both 2009 H1N1 influenza and seasonal influenza.
Prevention
Families should take these everyday steps to help prevent the spread of germs and protect your health:
- Ask your OB Physician for the H1N1 influenza vaccine, as well as a seasonal influenza vaccine. All members of your household should receive both vaccines.
- Avoid close contact with sick people. (If you are pregnant and you live or have close contact with someone who has H1N1 flu, talk to your doctor about medicines to prevent flu.)
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or sneeze into your sleeve. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based gel hand cleaners are also good to use.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Have a plan to care for sick family members, including yourself and the new infant.
- Do not bring sick family members or children with you to the OB/GYN office.
- Stock up on household, health and emergency supplies, such as water, Tylenol® and non-perishable foods.
Signs and Symptoms of the Flu
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your OB/GYN physician:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Body aches
- Headaches
- Chills and fatigue
If you experience any of these symptoms, seek emergency medical care right away:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Decreased or no movement of your baby
- A high fever that is not responding to Tylenol®
Care for OB Patients with Suspected Influenza Virus
- If you experience flu symptoms, call your OB/GYN office to determine whether you should be seen in the doctor’s office or the Emergency Department (ED).
- All OB patients experiencing flu symptoms who are directed to the hospital should enter through the ED.
To help prevent the spread of the flu once admitted:
- Office staff and/or ED staff will provide you with a face mask to wear.
- Please leave all sick family members and children at home.
- Visitors will be limited if you are admitted to the hospital with flu symptoms.
- If you are ill with the flu when you deliver, we will keep your infant in the wellborn nursery until discharge.
Be aware that if you contract a flu virus you may be too ill to care for your newborn. It is possible that if you are ill, your newborn could be discharged from the hospital before you are well enough to be discharged. You should consider having a plan in place with the person who will be primarily responsible for caring for your newborn if this should occur.
