H1N1 2009 Influenza Virus Infection during Pregnancy

The H1N1 virus, otherwise known as the swine flu virus, was first identified in April, 2009. While pregnant women have always been more affected by the influenza virus, the H1N1 virus has hit them particularly hard. The CDC states that pregnant women infected with H1N1 are four times more likely to be hospitalized with their illness than the general population. A study recently published in the Lancet Medical Journal states that 13% of all the deaths reportedly caused by this virulent influenzae virus in the Untied States between April 15 and June 16 of 2009 have been in pregnant women. This is an alarming number as only 1% of the population is pregnant at any given time - therefore, pregnant women are over-represented in the portion of individuals who develop severe disease.

Excess influenza-related deaths in pregnant women have been reported during prior pandemics between 1918-1919 and 1957-1958. The possible effects of influenza virus during pregnancy include increased risk of miscarriage, preterm labor and delivery, maternal and fetal death. The CDC has put out certain guidelines in anticipation of

• Pregnant women with suspected or confirmed influenza infection need prompt treatment with antiviral medication - best if within the first 48 hours.
• Pregnant women are at increased risk of severe complications if they become infected with the influenza virus.
• Pregnant women, regardless of health status, are more severely impacted by the H1N1 virus.
• Pregnant women who become infected with the H1N1 influenza virus are more likely to be hospitalized if infected than non-pregnant patients.

Typical influenza (H1N1) symptoms include: body aches, cough, fever, runny nose, headache, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea. Women who present with symptoms of influenzae should be quarantined in a separate waiting room while awaiting their appointment.

Women who are ill with a flu-like illness should be treated promptly; they should receive treatment while awaiting test results. Please, do not hesitate to contact your health care provider if you think you may be infected by the influenzae virus.

As reported by staff writers of the Washington Post on July 10, 2009. 100 million vaccinations should be available by mid-October; another 20 million later in the season. Those first in line for the vaccine will be school-aged children. Next up will be pregnant women, adults with chronic illnesses, younger children and health-care workers. An additional $350 million dollars of aid has been dispersed by the Obama administration to stem the tide of another pandemic.

The CDC reported July 2, 2009 that number of swine flu cases in the United States reached nearly 34,000 and number of deaths rose 34% to 170. The United States has reported nearly one-half of all the world's reported cases.


References:
1. Jamieson DJ, et al. H1N1 2009 influenza virus infection during pregnancy in the USA.
www.thelancet.com Published online July 29, 2009 DOI:10.1016/S0140-6736(09)61304-0
2. Students 1st in Line for Flu Vaccine by David Brown and Spenser S. Hsu, Washington Post
3. How to take care of an ill person with the swine (H1N1) flu.

Images:
H1N1 virus posted by News.Yahoo.com
H1N1 virus posted by Stanford.edu