Swine flu, also known as H1N1 influenza virus, is a respiratory illness caused by influenza A viruses that infect pigs. It's not just restricted to our oink-oink friends - this pesky bug can transmit easily from pigs to humans.
If you're pregnant AND reading this article right now, there is a chance that your mind is already 6690 km/h with all sorts of questions about swine flu and its potential risk for you and your pregnancy. No need to worry though; we'll discuss everything in detail, one sentence at a time.
Symptoms of Swine flu
Feeling like crap or standing near someone who smells weird
The symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of regular seasonal flu. These include: - Fever - Cough - Sore throat - Runny or stuffy nose - Headache - Body aches And if it’s really bad then add nausea/vomiting/diarrhea in the list too.
How dangerous is Swine Flu during Pregnancy?
Asking for a friend?
Per World Health Organization (WHO), Pregnant women are indeed among the higher-risk groups when it comes to catching severe diseases like swine-flu. This means they have an even greater risk than on top & side bunks in trains traveling through rough terrain.
To get statistical here[which people often use instead of 'to put numbers into perspective']:
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) states that according to data from April 2009 - August 2010 (Just some casual recent analyses) approximately -- Get set go ---1624 women were hospitalized due COVID/H1N11 while being PREGNANT! And DUH!--Outta them around more than three hundred expected mothers died solely because reported w/ swine flu.
These two numbers are not some lottery figures, it definitely sounds scary to read and maybe that’s why - you must get vaccinated prenataly [if possible] instead of risking yourself or your unborn baby.
How does Swine Flu affect pregnant women?
Go ahead spare me the gory details
As we know by now (from above), swine flu can be more severe in pregnant women mainly during their 2nd & 3rd trimesters. According to CDC, possible effects fall under these following categories: - With Swine Flue/covid/signs of cold their body temperature goes up. - Pregnant women (with other underlying conditions) might require mechanical ventilation[skip if anaesthesea gives you goosebumps] - Deciding anything for the fetus aside from staying healthy is crapshoot
This way at worst case scenario-waiting till labor should be only option as risks beyond this stage are reduced significantly.
Diagnosis & Treatment options
We’re getting there...Zzzz
During pregnancy (and all across life) if your immune system detects abnormality like-influenza A antibody within first few days they can perform a quick antigen test on nasal specimens or opt for more detailed tests which takes longer.
As such ---the best thing about antiviral drugs for influenza available today---is that they can shorten illness period by reducing virus reproduction rates inside human cells; however expectant mothers cannot merely consume any antibiotics!! They need legal prescription after proper analysis especially since Rimavir has been linked with low birth weight among babies w/ mom who took them while preggers!
Precautions
Above all else don’t PANIC!
To reduce the risk of catching swine flu: 1. Avoid close contact with anyone who is exhibiting symptoms 2. Eat appropriately-cooked pork when consuming and preferred recipes 3. Stay rested and drink plenty of fluids regularly 4. Maintain personal hygiene, washing hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
Vaccination
The best defense is offence
Experts recommend that pregnant women should get vaccinated against swine flu irrespective of their trimester / phase in pregnancy. It provides immunity not only to the mother but also transfers some degree of safety/immunization from mother to fetus.
It’s a win-win situation!
Conclusion
Swine flu might seem intimidating to you right now but we’ve gone through its symptoms, how dangerous it can be during pregnancy, how does it affect expecting moms?; methods applied for diagnosis along with treatment options available --coupled w/precautions necessary--and finally vax recommended even if you have strong feelings against needles! By reading this article until here your craving for information about swine-flu has hopefully been satiated completely- as every answer explained above was framed/designed solely keeping concern/safety of both maternal & fetal health in mind...Now relax & enjoy the rest of your healthy-pregnancy while being understanding everything there is about Swine Flu%!