Pregnancy heightens risks of getting flu
Reported June 30, 2009
Los Angeles: Flu can be especially dangerous in pregnant women, and especially during the third trimester.
The World Health Organisation and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently warned that pregnancy may be a risk factor for contracting H1N1 swine flu, which has reached pandemic levels.
According to the CDC, there have been 20 recent H1N1 infections in pregnant women in the US. Of those, three women were admitted to hospital and one died.
A woman’s immune system is weaker during pregnancy, which means pregnant women who become infected with flu are more likely to develop serious complications, such as pneumonia.
The medications Tamiflu and Relenza are relatively safe for use in pregnant and breast-feeding women, according to an analysis from the top research group in the world on pregnancy and toxic exposures.
The Motherisk Program at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto studies safety of medications during pregnancy.
In the latest issue of the Canadian Medical Association Journal, researchers concluded that Tamiflu does not appear to cause birth defects. Relenza also appears to be safe.
Women whose third trimester will overlap with the coming flu season should be especially careful to avoid exposure to flu. The CDC has a Web page with advice on flu protection. – LA Times