The Swine Flu and You: What Every Expectant Mother Should Know
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Unfortunately, many pregnant women will not heed the advice of their physicians and will not receive the H1N1 vaccine. It is therefore very important to try to do what you can to prevent yourself from contracting this virus. There are certain steps that you can take to make you less susceptible and these include the following:
- A nutritious diet should be eaten that is rich in fruits and vegetables.
- Supplementing your diet with extra vitamin C D.
- Washing you hands frequently.
- Keeping your hands away from your mouth and eyes.
- Staying away from people you know are not feeling well.
If a pregnant woman thinks she is coming down with the flu it is important that you contact your doctor immediately. Common symptoms of the flu include:
- Fever (affects over 90% of people)
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Stuffy/Runny nose
- Body aches
- Headache
- Chills
- Diarrhea/Vomiting
It is important to see your doctor as soon as possible to get an anti-viral medication. If you doctor is not available, you should go to your local medical center for treatment. This will lessen the symptoms, which will reduce the chance of serious complications and also shorten the duration of the illness. There is no risk to either the mother or baby from this anti-viral medication. The real danger comes from having an untreated case of the H1N1 virus while being pregnant.
The benefit of receiving the H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccine far outweighs the risks of contracting the virus. This is a very serious virus that will kill nearly 40,000-50,000 this year. If you are pregnant, make sure that you get vaccinated as soon as possible.
Dr. Charles Hux attended Case Western Reserve School of Medicine and completed his residency in obstetrics and gynecology and a fellowship in maternal-fetal medicine at Thomas Jefferson University. He received a master’s degree in genetics from Rutgers University. He maintains a private practice and is primarily affiliated with Monmouth Medical Center. His articles have appeared in American Journal of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Prenatal Diagnosis, New England Journal of Medicine and Genetics. He is the author of the new book, Nine Healthy Months.
For the last eight years, he has been the current resident “multiples doctor” on The Learning Channel’s A Baby Story. http://huxmd.yourmd.com/