Jun 16 2009
Pregnancy and the H1N1 Virus
Statistically, pregnant women are more prone to developing severe cases of the “seasonal flu” than non-pregnant women. This is a cause for concern when facing the H1N1 flu outbreak, which has now been raised to the pandemic level.
Researchers at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto as well as from the Japan Drug Information Institute in Pregnancy have conducted a study following women and babies taking either Tamiflu (oseltamivir) or Relenza (zanamivir). These women were either diagnosed with the H1N1 flu virus or were taking these medications as a preventative measure.
Currently there is more data on the safety of Tamiflu during pregnancy then there is on Relenza. The study concluded that neither of these drugs appear to affect fetal growth and development, although it is important to continue the collection of data. Both Tamiflu and Relenza have been found to be excreted into a mother’s milk.
The CDC recommends that pregnant women with either a suspected or confirmed case of the H1N1 virus should be placed on a course of Tamiflu or possibly Relenza. If you are pregnant and become ill with flu-like symptoms, it is important to visit your physician for possible evaluation and treatment of the H1N1 or other seasonal flu virus.
In the meantime, keep your hands washed and carry an antibacterial cleaner with you. If you know of someone who is sick, be sure to avoid them for several days until all of their symptoms have passed.
