H1N1 and pregnancy
In this season, Jamaican women now have to be protecting themselves against Zika, CHIKV, dengue and H1N1. For the pregnant population, this is yet another illness to worry about. So what does H1N1 mean for pregnant women?
What is H1N1?
Also called swine flu, it is a type of influenza spread by a virus. It is contracted by contact with infected droplets (in the air, on doors, tables and other surfaces) which are spread by coughing or sneezing. It is not contracted by eating bacon, ham, or any other pork product.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms are, unfortunately, similar to other types of flu and viral illnesses. You can have a fever, cough, sneezing, sore throat, joint/ body pains, pain behind the eyes, headache, chills and fatigue. However, the symptoms tend to be more severe than a regular cold. It can also cause vomiting and diarrhoea. If severe, it can lead to a lung infection and cause shortness of breath. It can also make other diseases like asthma and diabetes worse. If you experience shortness of breath, difficulty in breathing, turning blue, bloody or coloured sputum, chest pain, confusion or strange behaviour, high fever that persists beyond three days; decreased or no movement of your baby.
How is it treated?
Swine flu is treated with antivirals (the commonest in Jamaica is oseltamivir/ Tamiflu and can be taken at any stage of pregnancy. At this time there have been no reports to show harm to the pregnant woman or her unborn baby and taking antiviral medicine can help prevent the severe outcomes previously listed.
How can I protect myself and my baby from getting it?
The first step is proper hygiene. Everyone who is ill with a flu-like illness should stay home until their symptoms have improved. When coughing or sneezing, the mouth and nose should be covered with a tissue, which should be thrown away after use. Hands should be washed often with soap and warm water, especially after coughing or sneezing and if soap and water are not available, an alcohol-based hand rub can be used. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth because germs are spread this way. If you are pregnant, avoid contact with sick people as much as possible.
Pregnant women should get the seasonal flu vaccine to protect themselves and their unborn babies from swine flu. The seasonal flu shot has been shown to protect both the mother and her baby (up to six months old) from flu-like illnesses.
Dr Anna-Kay Taylor Christmas is a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at the Obs and Gynae Centre, Winchester Business Centre. She can be contacted at drtaylorchristmas@gmail.com or 908-3263, 906-2265, 325-7362.
