H1N1 and Pregnant Women: Risks, Complications and Treatment

Catching the H1N1 virus is dangerous for any at-risk group, but pregnant women face more complex and potentially dangerous complications. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), women who have contracted the influenza virus in the past have developed the flu at a faster rate, causing complications that affected the woman and her baby. The CDC believes the H1N1 virus also affects pregnancy in the same way, if not worse.

Preventing H1N1 virus transmission in pregnant women is extremely important to prevent serious complications. Not treating it early can lead to death for the unborn child or the woman.

H1N1 and Pregnant Women: Complications, Dangers
The H1N1 pandemic is especially dangerous during pregnancy because it can impact fetal development. The complexity of pregnancy also causes other complications that do not occur in other individuals. Some of the complications of H1N1 and pregnant women include:

- The development of the flu is notably faster in pregnant women. It progresses faster during pregnancy, causing more serious symptoms to appear faster. Symptoms could include vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, body aches, and a sore throat. The symptoms can also affect the baby.

- Bacterial infections sometimes occur. It is not uncommon for pneumonia to develop shortly after a H1N1 flu diagnosis, especially during pregnancy. This can danger both the woman and her unborn child.

- It can cause serious pregnancy-related problems, including premature birth, birth defects, and spontaneous abortion. There is also one reported case of death from complications of the H1N1 flu during pregnancy.

H1N1 and Pregnant Women: Treatment Options
Diagnosing the infection early is vital for reducing the risk of birth complications and complications. Because of this risk, the CDC advises physicians to treat pregnant women right away, even if the virus is not confirmed through laboratory tests. Approved H1N1 flu treatments during pregnancy include:

- Zanamivir and oseltamivir. These antiviral drugs are very effective at reducing symptoms caused by the H1N1 virus. Other antiviral drugs, such as amantadine, do not work as well-the H1N1 virus is resistant to it.

- Headaches caused by the flu are treated with acetaminophen. This is the safest drug for pregnant women that does not cause significant complications. Acetaminophen is available over-the-counter (OTC) as Tylenol.

The physician may also recommend plenty of rest. This increases healing time while decreasing stress on the baby and the woman. Drinking plenty of fluids, including water and natural juices, also helps. Pregnant women should eat a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals, which helps strengthen the immune system. Other modes of treatment not listed here are also prescribed by the physician, often based on the woman's individual needs.

To learn more about H1N1 and pregnant women, including treatment methods, additional complications, and prevention methods, visit CDC.gov.

Sources:
"Pregnant Women and Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Virus: Considerations for Clinicians" (CDC.gov)