(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Both the seasonal flu and the swine flu are
spreading fast across the United States. Pregnant women are at a greater risk of
the flu’s harmful effects. Experts say mothers-to-be should take precautions to
protect themselves.
The H1N1 (swine) flu is caused by a virus. The typical body changes of pregnant
women put them at a higher risk than the general population.
Experts recommend expecting mothers get vaccinated as soon as possible and to
follow a good hygiene routine. Washing hands often and avoiding others who are
sick can help prevent the flu. If a pregnant woman does experience flu symptoms,
she should visit her doctor as soon as possible. A study published by the Center
for Disease Control and Prevention says most women who get vaccinated do so
because their health provider recommended it.
"We urge every pregnant woman to discuss influenza immunization with her
healthcare provider,” Dr. Jennifer L. Howse, president of the March of Dimes,
was quoted as saying. “The vaccine has been shown to be safe and effective in
clinical trials."
SOURCE: Statement issued September 23, 2009 by the March of Dimes, American
College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Academy of Pediatrics,
the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American College of
Nurse-Midwives, the Association of Women’s health, Obstetric, the Neonatal
Nurses, the Infectious Disease Society for Obstetrics and Gynecology and the
Society of Maternal-Fetal-Medicine
