So far this flu season has been the worst in a very long time. Cases of the flu and the 2009 H1N1 strain is now wide spread in 48 states and pregnant women and new mothers need to be extra cautious. Protecting you and your baby need to be top priority and here is what you can do this flu season to make sure that you are both well:

• Get both the seasonal flu vaccine AND the H1N1 vaccine! Pregnant women are more susceptible to the H1N1 virus and can cause serious complications such as early labor, pneumonia and even death. Getting both shots will help protect you and your baby.


• Stay away from those that you know are sick, especially if they are showing any flu like symptoms. If you do find yourself in close contact speak with your doctor right away. Your doctor can give you antiviral medications at a low dose for 10 days to prevent the flu.


• And as always follow the basics like washing your hands frequently, covering your cough with tissue or your shoulder and avoid touching your face as much as possible.

Symptoms of H1N1 that you need to be looking out for:

• Fever (not everyone will have a fever with he flu virus though)


• Cough


• Sore Throat


• Runny or Stuffy Nose


• Body and Head Aches


• Chills


• Fatigue


• And Possible Vomiting and Diarrhea

If you have any or all of these symptoms you need to see your doctor right away. The earlier you treat the virus the easier and less miserable it will be. Both the seasonal flu and H1N1 are treated with antiviral medications like Tamaflu and Relenza for five days. These are both safe for pregnant and nursing mothers to take. Pregnant women are also safe to take these medications at any stage of pregnancy and will not harm the baby in any way.

As always when you are sick make sure to drink lots of fluids and stay hydrated. Those out there that do develop a fever, do not use ibuprofen. Instead pregnant women should use Acetaminophen.  If you are going to be home alone for long periods of time, find someone that can check in on you periodically, even if just by phone and keep your phone near you at all times.

The flu should be taken very seriously among all pregnant women and new mothers. Children under the age of 6 months can not get either flu shot so it’s up to you and your family to get the vaccines to protect them. For more information on the H1N1 flu vaccine as well as up to date flu trends across the states please visit the Center for Disease Control website. The CDC website also provides information for other high risk groups, when vaccinations will be available and what you can expect from certain medications that you may be prescribed to help your symptoms.