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H1N1 flu (swine flu) and pregnancy: Are special precautions necessary?
By Mayo Clinic staff
- With Mayo Clinic obstetrician and medical editor-in-chief
Roger W. Harms, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Roger W. Harms, M.D.
Roger W. Harms, M.D.
"Nothing helps people stay healthy more than the power of real knowledge about health." — Dr. Roger Harms
As medical editor-in-chief, Dr. Roger Harms is excited about the potential for MayoClinic.com to help educate people about their health and provide them the tools and information to live healthier lives.
The Auburn, Neb., native has been with Mayo Clinic since 1981 and is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology. Dr. Harms is a consultant and associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology, and his specialty areas include office gynecology, high-risk obstetrics and obstetrical ultrasound.
From 2002 to 2007, Dr. Harms was director for education for Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dr. Harms was the 1988 Mayo Medical School Teacher of the Year and served as associate dean for student affairs and academic affairs before taking this leadership role. He is the co-author of the "Mayo Clinic Model of Education." In 2008, Dr. Harms was presented the Distinguished Educator Award, Mayo Clinic, Rochester.
Dr. Harms is vice chair of the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and medical editor of the Pregnancy section on this Web site. In addition, Dr. Harms is editor-in-chief of the "Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy" book, a month-by-month guide to everything a woman needs to know about having a baby.
"My medical education experience has grown out of a love of teaching, and that is what this site is about," Dr. Harms says. "If any visitor to this site makes a more informed and thus more comfortable decision about his or her health because of the information we provide, we are successful."
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- H1N1 flu (swine flu) pandemic: What does it mean?
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Symptoms (2)
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Complications (1)
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Prevention (5)
- Flu school closing: Any benefit?
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- Flu mask: Should I wear one?
- see all in Prevention
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Question
H1N1 flu (swine flu) and pregnancy: Are special precautions necessary?
I'm pregnant and am concerned about swine flu. What should I do if I think I may have swine flu?
Answer
from Roger W. Harms, M.D.
The combination of H1N1 influenza (swine flu) and pregnancy is potentially risky. If you're pregnant and think you may have H1N1 flu or you've had close contact with someone who has known or suspected H1N1 flu, contact your doctor immediately. He or she may recommend treatment with an antiviral medication known to be effective against the virus — oseltamivir (Tamiflu), which can be taken in pill or liquid form, or, less often, zanamivir (Relenza), which must be inhaled. Ideally, the medication should be started within 48 hours of developing symptoms.
Although the specific effects of H1N1 flu and pregnancy are unknown, anyone at high risk of complications from seasonal flu is thought to be at high risk of complications from H1N1 flu — including pregnant women.
Pregnancy puts extra stress on your heart and lungs. Pregnancy can also affect your immune system. These factors increase the risk not only of getting the flu but of developing serious complications of the flu, such as pneumonia and respiratory distress. In turn, flu complications may lead to miscarriage, premature labor or other pregnancy problems.
The symptoms of H1N1 flu are similar to those of seasonal flu, including fever, cough, sore throat and body aches. Although researchers haven't studied the safety of oseltamivir and zanamivir during pregnancy, for most women the benefits of preventing serious illness or complications from H1N1 flu outweigh any potential risks of the medication. It's also important to rest as much as you can and drink plenty of fluids.
Next questionFlu school closing: Any benefit?
- Pregnant women and novel influenza A (H1N1) considerations for clinicians. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/clinician_pregnant.htm. Accessed May 19, 2009.
- Interim guidance on antiviral recommendations for patients with novel influenza A (H1N1) virus infection and their close contacts. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/recommendations.htm. Accessed May 19, 2009.
