Swine Flu in the UK - Everything You Need To Know

Swine Flu & Pregnancy

Important

If you are pregnant and have flu-like symptoms:

- Stay at home and call your GP, who will be able to provide a diagnosis over the phone.

- If swine flu is confirmed, your GP will advise you on how to collect antiviral medication.

- Ask a healthy friend or relative to pick up the antiviral medication for you.

In the meantime, take paracetamol-based cold remedies to reduce fever and other symptoms, drink plenty of fluids and get lots of rest

Pregnant women have been placed in one of the high risk groups for swine flu. Although the majority of pregnant women who develop swine flu will suffer from mild symptoms there is an increased chance that complications may occur. The immune system is naturally suppressed during pregnancy meaning the likely hood of catching any infection including seasonal and swine flu is increased. Complications are also more likely, pneumonia, difficulty breathing and dehydration can be developed which may lead to premature birth or miscarriage.

Pregnant women are advised to see their local GP as soon as possible if they show signs of contracting the virus. Antiviral treatment is being given out to pregnant women who are experiencing symptoms of the virus though the risk of taking tamiflu to unborn babies is currently unknown.

The latest figures from the US suggest 13% of the people who have died from swine flu are pregnant women who had not been treated with antiviral medication. Experts recommend pregnant women start taking antiviral medication as soon as symtoms appear.

As well as antiviral treatment pregnant women are advised to take paracetamol based cold remedies to help combat fever and other symptoms. Paracetamols are safe to take during pregnancy though non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen should not be taken.