Pregnant women infected with the H1N1/Swine Flu are at risk for the following:

• Early labor
  
  
• Severe pneumonia
  
  
• Death
  
  
  

According to the West Virginia Bureau for Public Health, pregnant women get sick and die from the seasonal flu and the H1N1/Swine Flu at higher rates than the general population.

• Pregnant women make up 1% of the U.S. population, but make up 6% of H1N1/Swine Flu deaths.
  
  
  

How can I protect myself and my baby?

• The most effective protection is vaccination.
  
  
• It is highly recommended that pregnant women also get the seasonal flu shot, which is currently available.
  
  
• Babies born to a mother who has had a seasonal flu shot have been shown to be protected from the seasonal flu up to six months of age.
  
  
• Contact your doctor immediately if you come into contact with someone infected with the H1N1/Swine Flu. Your doctor might recommend treating you with antiviral drugs to prevent infection.
  
  
• Anyone in your household or anyone who will be taking care of your baby should get both the H1N1/Swine Flu vaccination and seasonal flu vaccination.
  
  
  

Is it safe for pregnant women to get the H1N1/Swine Flu shot?

• Yes. Pregnant women have been treated with flu shots for many years without harm to mother or baby.
  
  
• The H1N1/Swine Flu vaccination was developed and produced in the same way seasonal flu shots are produced.
  
  
  

How can I protect myself until I’m vaccinated?

• Until vaccination is available, sanitization is the best prevention. Wash your hands frequently or use alcohol-based sanitizer to cleanse your hands when soap and water are not available.
  
  
• Sneeze and cough into a tissue (dispose of the tissue immediately) or cough into your elbow or shoulder when tissues are not available.
  
  
• Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes. These are the ways the H1N1/Swine Flu can enter the body.
  
  
• Avoid contact with those who are sick:
• Be especially aware of how you are feeling if the H1N1/Swine Flu is present in your community.  At the first sign of illness, contact your doctor.
• If you have been in contact with a confirmed case of H1N1, talk with your doctor about antiviral medications.
  
  
• Keep an ample supply of household, health and emergency supplies.
  
  
  

What are the symptoms of the H1N1/Swine Flu?

• You may have some or all of the following symptoms
• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Body aches
• Runny or Stuffy Nose
• Chills
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
  
  
  

What if I get flu-like symptoms?

• Call or see your doctor and avoid contact with others by staying home. Your doctor may choose to treat you with antiviral medications.
  
  
  

What are signs of complications?

• If you experience any of these symptoms, seek emergency medical help immediately:
• difficulty breathing or shortness of breath,
• dizziness,
• pain or pressure in the abdomen or chest,
• extreme or repetitive vomiting,
• high fever that is not being affected by fever reducers or
• decreased movement from your baby.
  
  
  

What the CDC and other Federal agencies have to say about pregnant women and the H1N1/Swine Flu:

• What pregnant women should know about the H1N1/Swine Flu.
  
  
• Information for pregnant women who are likely to be exposed to H1N1 in the workplace.
  
  
• H1N1 Vaccines and pregnant women.
  
  
• Pregnant women and H1N1: Five things you need to know.