SWINE FLU AND PREGNANCY
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One of the High Risk Groups for Swine flu is Pregnant Women.
Pregnant women who are infected with the H1N1 influenza virus are 4 times more prone to develop serious complications than other people.
About 13 % of pregnant women are affected all over the world.
During pregnancy, the immune system of women is naturally suppressed.
Pregnant women are additionally prone to various viral infections and complications. Hence it is assumed that pregnant women are at a higher risk of complications from Swine flu. |
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What happens during Pregnancy?
The increased risk of contracting H1N1 virus is due to the changes occurring in a woman’s body during pregnancy.
Pregnancy affects each physiological function of body organs.
Mechanical and hormonal changes during pregnancy are more susceptible to infections.
Our body’s immune system protects us against invaders like bacteria, viruses and other infection producing bodies.
During pregnancy our body’s immune system changes to protect the mother as well as the foetus from diseases.
During these changes the immune system is either suppressed or enhanced to protect the foetus from infections through compromise with defense mechanisms of pregnant women. |
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| Common changes in the immune system during pregnancy include: |
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Increased production of Macrophages -- cells which invade bacteria. |
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Decreased activity of Natural Killer cells -- these cells belongs to white blood cells group which are known to improve the immunity of the body against various viruses and bacteria. |
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Decreased activity of T cells – these cells protect against infections. |
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Decreased production of Cytokines - which help fight infections. |
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These changes in the body of the pregnant woman protect the foetus.
There are some other changes like decrease in lung capacity. Because of the expanding uterus, the diaphragm moves up and there is less space for lungs to expand. These make the pregnant women more susceptible to upper respiratory tract infections and mechanical and hormonal changes. |
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| Symptoms of Swine flu: |
| The symptoms are usually common to those of seasonal flu. |
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High grade fever. |
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Running nose. |
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Cough. |
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Headache. |
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Body ache. |
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Sore throat. |
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Vomiting or Diarrhea. |
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| If untreated immediately, following complications may arise: |
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Pneumonia – infection of Lungs. |
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Dehydration. |
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Difficulty in breathing |
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Rarely premature labour or miscarriage. |
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| Special precautions: |
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During pregnancy avoid travelling in crowded places. |
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Avoid contact with people who have flu like symptoms. |
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Wear a mask if any member of your family suffers from swine flu. |
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Cover your nose and mouth with tissue while sneezing and coughing. |
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Wash your hands properly after you sneeze or cough or before eating anything. Scrub with soap for atleast 20 seconds. |
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Eat healthy food including fresh fruits and green vegetables. |
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| Treatment for Swine flu: |
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During pregnancy if you are diagnosed with Swine flu you will have to take a course of the antiviral drug Relenza. |
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It is used in pregnant women as it will not affect the growing foetus |
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Tamiflu is another antiviral drug prescribed in severe cases. |
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In case of fever and headache, some painkillers which are safe for pregnant women can be taken as advised by your doctor. |
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| Got more questions chat with our online doctor |
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