Surviving H1N1 -- with baby in belly
For the past several months, Amy Wolf has been glued to the television, intently watching for information on how best to prepare for H1N1 flu.
She usually does not worry about the flu, but this year is different: Wolf is eight months into her second pregnancy. "I watch the news like crazy, and it seems like every time I would watch or read something, there was a picture of a pregnant woman," Wolf says.
She's right to be concerned. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, pregnancy puts Wolf at higher risk of complications for flu in general, and so far that also holds true for the novel 2009 H1N1 virus. The most recent data show that from April 15 to May 18, 2009, thirty-four percent of the pregnant women infected with the H1N1 virus were hospitalized, and by June, six pregnant women had died.
"I've never heard of something affecting pregnant women more than anyone else," says Wolf.
More worrisome -- the virus is already widespread in Tennessee, where she lives. Wolf says a neighbor's son was recently hospitalized. "[H1N1] just seems more real to me than a lot of the other health concerns."
A perusal through our Empowered Patient inbox found swine flu is a hot topic among pregnant women. We took the questions we received to experts for answers. Read the answers here.
She usually does not worry about the flu, but this year is different: Wolf is eight months into her second pregnancy. "I watch the news like crazy, and it seems like every time I would watch or read something, there was a picture of a pregnant woman," Wolf says.
She's right to be concerned. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, pregnancy puts Wolf at higher risk of complications for flu in general, and so far that also holds true for the novel 2009 H1N1 virus. The most recent data show that from April 15 to May 18, 2009, thirty-four percent of the pregnant women infected with the H1N1 virus were hospitalized, and by June, six pregnant women had died.
"I've never heard of something affecting pregnant women more than anyone else," says Wolf.
More worrisome -- the virus is already widespread in Tennessee, where she lives. Wolf says a neighbor's son was recently hospitalized. "[H1N1] just seems more real to me than a lot of the other health concerns."
A perusal through our Empowered Patient inbox found swine flu is a hot topic among pregnant women. We took the questions we received to experts for answers. Read the answers here.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Michelle Malizki on -
Well, personally I'd never do such a thing. I'd at least wait until the testing is complete. Glad to hear it won't contain thimerosal though. At least that's one relief.
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Permalink Reply by Debbie Ferm on -
I have empathy for all of the women who are pregnant throughout this. The facts as well as the hype can cause so much anxiety. Everyone will need to make their own decisions with the help of their doctors, and I feel it's up to the rest of us as friends and relatives to support them no matter what they decide. I wish her well.
Debbie Ferm
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Permalink Reply by Marika Burrell Wright on -
I'm glad the media and schools are enforcing the rules of illness parameters. I overheard Disney TV had a spot on staying healthy, Hannah Montana has a hand sanitizer! We've all known for years that Hand Washing is the best way to stay healthy, having a flu shot is next in line. I hope that the parents who previously sent sick children to school will be able to stay home with them if and when they are ill this flu season, instead of sending them sniffling to school medicated.
Here's to healthy moms and babies!
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Permalink Reply by Beth Gutierrez on -
Do your homework, don't just get your information from the news. But instead truely research it. This article is just one example of why you should be cautious. After reading this do some research on the vaccine used for the "Spanish Flu", the vaccine killed almost as many as the virus itself.
http://www.naturalnews.com/z026723_health_vaccines_immune_system.html
I don't want to add to your worries. God will protect you and that little one, just keep faith in him.
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Permalink Reply by Michelle Cromeenes on -
Educate yourself and make your own decisions. Drs Sears website had a lot of detailed facts including info about which vaccines contain mercury, which ones have been safety tested and even a recommendation on staggering vaccines if you do decide to get it. http://www.askdrsears.com/thevaccinebook/
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