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The Swine Flu and Pregnancy

Swine flu, also commonly known as H1N1, is a highly contagious respiratory disease that gets its name from the fact that the virus is primarily known to affect pigs. Swine flu has recently become a global concern because of the fact that it is spreading from person to person. As a result of the extraordinary rate that the condition is spreading it has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. Swine flu and pregnancy are closely linked and studies have shown that about 6% of the deaths in the United States of America as a result of the virus have been pregnant women. It is also important to point out the fact that some of these women have also been suffering from other chronic conditions at the time of demise. Suffering from these conditions in the third trimester is known to be particularly fatal. A lot of time the condition is not correctly diagnosed during its early stages because of the fact that they are very similar to an ordinary flu such as the development of a fever, cough, tiredness and muscle and joint pains. However, some of the other prominent symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea and acute abdominal pain.

Like most other viruses, swine flu spreads via coughing and sneezing, particularly in closed spaces where there is close contact between infected people and healthy people. Since a pregnant mother has a slightly lowered immune system when she is carrying a child, she is more susceptible to contracting the virus. If the mother contract a regular flu, the baby is well protected within the womb, but since swine flu is a relatively new strain of virus, not much is known about the penetrative power it has to cross through the placenta. As of this time there is no guaranteed treatment for swine flu although a number of easily available antiviral drugs will help relieve the symptoms and help the patient recover faster. More importantly, they will also restrict any complications from developing, but it is essential that you consult your doctor about the medications that you take to identify if they will affect the pregnancy in any way.

Precautions for Swine Flu During Pregnancy

A few precautions you should take to prevent the contraction of swine flu include covering your nose and mouth with the help of a disposable tissue when you cough and sneeze and make sure to throw it away when done. Whenever you cough or sneeze, make it a point to wash your hands with the help of warm water and soap and rub the insides and outsides for at least a period of 15 seconds before rinsing them thoroughly.

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