Swine Flu: What Pregnant Women Should Be Aware of

Physicians warn that pregnant women are in the risk group for developing severe health problems during the flu season. So in this year marked by swine flu threat, they have to be even more on the alert. Dr. Keith Reeves from Methodist Hospital in Houston says that physicians don’t want pregnant women to be panicked by this virus, but they do want women to be more responsible for taking precautions typical for the flu season. In particular, women should be vaccinated.

Recent CDC (The Centers for Disease Control) report revealed that pregnant women are at higher risk of developing severe complications after infection with swine flu. Reeves also claims that pregnant women should be aware that anti-viral drugs like tamiflu are safe in pregnant women. Dr. Reeves says that the benefits from using the drug outweigh the risks. It’s important to remember that anti-flu drugs work better if you start taking them within two days of the first flu symptoms. Physicians encourage that women don’t delay with the treatment.

In addition to pregnant women, other flu risk groups that will be vaccinated include: people who live or care for children younger than 6 months of age; health care personnel and paramedics; people aged from 6 months through 24 years; people aged 24 through 56 years whose risk of complications is related to chronic health disorders or compromised immune system. The listed groups make for nearly half population of the United States. Experts note that once people from higher risk groups have been vaccinated, the vaccinating will continue among other groups, including people over 65.

Before using any medications, even those regarded to as safe during pregnancy, please, consult your health care specialist.

Source of the image: sxc.hu/profile/hamletnc.