Press Release: Ministry of Health
Media Release
17 July 2009
Novel Influenza A (H1N1) 09 Swine Flu – Update 108
The Ministry of Health continues to encourage pregnant women who get sick with influenza-like symptoms to be prompt in phoning for medical advice.
As reported in the Ministry’s daily update yesterday, pregnant women are one group at greater risk of complications from the new Influenza A (H1N1) virus and should call their doctor or Healthline for advice if they become unwell with influenza-like symptoms.
Deputy Director of Public Health Dr Darren Hunt says pregnant women do not need to be alarmed or go to extraordinary measures to protect themselves from influenza but there are simple things they can do to protect themselves and others. These include:
• washing and drying hands frequently
• staying away from people who are sick
• avoiding crowded places
Dr Hunt says, “The advice for pregnant women is not dissimilar from the advice the Ministry has already been providing to other population groups at more risk from the swine flu virus.”
“Pregnant women should seek medical advice promptly if they become unwell with influenza like symptoms. Their doctor may prescribe the antiviral medication Tamiflu or Relenza which are most effective if taken as soon as possible after the onset of symptoms. Pregnant women should not take any antiviral medication without consulting their doctor. The doctor will assess the risks and benefits of the medicine on an individual basis and may need to seek advice from an infectious diseases specialist or obstetrician.”
Dr Darren Hunt says,”It is obviously important for pregnant women to look after themselves when sick, including rest and plenty of fluids. Treating fever right away is important and paracetamol is the best treatment in pregnancy.”
Swine flu symptoms
* A high temperature (above 38.3C), not responding to attempts to reduce it.
*Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
* Pain or pressure in the chest or stomach.
* Coughing up bloody or green phlegm.
* Blue skin around the lips and/or fingertips.
* Severe pain in the ear(s).
* Severe vomiting.
* Fits or uncontrolled shaking.
* Difficulty waking up or feeling disoriented or confused.
* If you start to feel better but get a high fever and start to feel unwell again. *
Inability to keep fluids down.
* Other signs of becoming more sick such as children becoming more irritable and not eating and drinking.
