Swine Flu and Expectant Moms—What You Need to Know

Augusta, GA—Charlene Trennel is expecting baby number two, in November. Because the H1N1 virus has brought flu season around a little early, this year, she’s considering a flu vaccine. “I don’t really want to take the vaccine, because in the end, I think it’s going to make it worse. But I have to protect my baby, so in the end I probably will,“ says Trennel, of Evans.

Even though she’ll deliver her baby before flu season would normally start, Dr. Scott Burns at Augusta GYN says that vaccine can help protect her newborn baby this winter.

Influenza is always a concern, especially for women pregnant during peak season, but Dr. Burns says he’s been answering questions about swine flu for months. “I always tell my patients before you eat anything, make sure you’ve washed your hands thoroughly. Make sure when you get home from work that you wash your hands thoroughly.“

Burns says it’s important pregnant women with flu-like symptoms take action immediately. A high fever can be hard on the baby. He says you can take Tylenol for fever, and the CDC is recommending Tamiflu to treat flu.

“The sooner you see your doctor about this the better. There is a medicine you can take to shorten the duration and may help lessen the severity of it. Ideally, you’d want to star that within 48 hours of having symptoms,“ says Dr. Burns.

Charlene knows what it’s like to be sick while you’re pregnant and is doing everything she can to avoid that the second time around. “I have my hand sanitizer my disinfectant spray.“ She’s hoping that, and perhaps a vaccine, will be enough.

Augusta GYN is having patients with flu-like symptoms come in at the same time when the office isn’t so crowded so healthy women aren’t exposed to their germs.