Dr. Shelly Buchan, medical officer of health for the Central R.H.A., says pregnant women are at risk for complications not only with seasonal flu, but the H1N1 virus as well.
Buchan notes when they look at the current H1N1 data, they see that those who are pregnant are more likely to suffer complications than women the same age who are not expecting.
She adds there are some basic things women can do to protect themselves, such as washing their hands, trying to avoid crowded places especially if someone is obviously ill with a cough, and seeing their physician right away if they come down with symptoms of influenza.
Buchan says those symptoms include headache, cough, and sore bones and muscles.
She notes Tamiflu is effective during pregnancy, but must be administered within the first 48 hours of symptom development, in order to ward off the flu.
Buchan adds other viral illnesses can also significantly impact a fetus, so pregnant women should follow the same advice about washing their hands frequently and avoiding crowded areas to protect themselves and their babies.
- Thursday, July 30th 2009 -
Sun, May 19, 1:00 PM
Full-time, Education
Featured
