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Swine flu or infection by the H1N1 influenza virus reached pandemic proportions in 2009 and it is believed that a large number of seasonal flu cases in 2010 may be the swine flu. This may persist for years to come. Although specific antiviral agents and vaccines have been able to control the epidemic to a significant degree, the danger is not entirely over.

Swine flu is a highly contagious viral infection which produces flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, sore throat, cough, headache and body aches. Although the entire population is at risk, certain groups of people are in more danger of contracting the disease as well as having more severe complications once they do get the disease.

Pregnant women fall under this high-risk group and complications as well as deaths have occurred, especially in the third trimester (last 3 months) of pregnancy. It could be that pregnant women are particularly at risk because their normal immune mechanism is suppressed during pregnancy, making them more vulnerable, and so more likely to get a severe form of the disease.

If you are pregnant and you suspect you have swine flu, or if you are suffering from any flu-like symptoms, you should immediately contact your  doctor or gynecologist and obstetrician and follow their advice closely. Starting early antiviral treatment for swine flu is the most reliable way of controlling the severity of the disease but you should first get your doctor’s approval for using it during pregnancy.

Because the swine flu poses a threat to pregnant women, they are considered as a priority for swine flu vaccination programs. Any misgivings about the side effects of antiviral medicines or vaccines should be set aside considering the seriousness of the disease that could occur in pregnant women, provided that you are being supervised by your doctor.

What are the Symptoms of Swine Flu?

You are likely to have flu-like symptoms such as fever, which may be accompanied by chills, headache, body aches, sore throat or cough. You may feel unusually tired, with loss of appetite and this should not be mistaken for symptoms associated with pregnancy.

Not all pregnant women who get the swine flu will have severe symptoms and complications but to be on the safe side, a consultation with your doctor is advisable. Even if the rapid flu test is done to confirm or rule out swine flu, the doctor may start you on medication even before the test results are available.

What are the Complications of Swine Flu?

• Pneumonia is the most serious complications that can develop and at times, breathing difficulties can lead to respiratory failure. Women who are HIV positive are at even greater risk.

• As well as being a danger to you, it may cause you to go into early labor and thus result in the delivery of a premature baby. Spontaneous abortion (miscarriage) is another possibility and if you experience any uterine or abdominal cramping or notice bleeding in pregnancy, then you should see a doctor immediately.

• Pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, asthma, COPD and heart problems may become worse.

• Severe dehydration may develop and some cases of swine flu infection report severe vomiting and diarrhea which can complicate the dehydration further.

• In pregnant women where death has occurred as a result of swine flu infection, delayed initiation of treatment with antiviral medicines has been cited as a cause.

Complications of Antiviral Medicines and Swine Flu Vaccines

Although certain side effects may occasionally occur with antiviral medicines and vaccines, you should remember that these are of less importance when compared to the complications that could develop if you are suffering from swine flu while you are pregnant. Early treatment with antiviral medicines can reduce the severity of the disease, prevent complications and even avoid death.

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and headache may occasionally occur as side effects of the antiviral drugs that are being used. More severe complications are breathing difficulties and wheezing, especially if you suffer from asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Your doctor will decide on what type of antiviral is best for you, bearing your condition in mind.

Swine flu vaccination can be given at any stage of pregnancy and has there is no significant evidence of it being harmful for you or your baby. In fact, pregnant women have been included in the priority list for being vaccinated against swine flu as they are so vulnerable to the complications of it.

Prevention and Precautions

Vaccination against swine flu should be given to all pregnant women, whatever the stage of pregnancy, as a means of prevention.

If you are pregnant, you should take all precautions not to contract swine flu. Swine flu is spread from person to person by sneezing, coughing or touching surfaces infected with the virus. Basic precautions that can be taken to reduce chances of spreading or contracting the disease are

1. Staying away from people suffering from flu-like symptoms or those suffering with diagnosed swine flu.
2. Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and then disposing off the tissue immediately.
3. Washing hands regularly with soap and water or an alcohol based sanitizer.
4. Cleaning surfaces such as table tops and door handles regularly.
5. You can carry on with your daily activities such as going to work but take precautions to avoid contact with any infected person. If this is difficult, speak to your colleague who is unwell or your employer. Given you pregnant state, they will understand.
6. If a family member has been diagnosed with swine flu, you should keep away from that person as far as possible. It may be advisable to commence with antiviral medicines as a means of preventing the disease as close contact with a person in your home is almost unavoidable.

Prevention is always better than cure and this is the approach you should adopt so that you can continue with a safe pregnancy and deliver a healthy normal baby.