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H1N1 Flu

H1N1 Flu

by Kathleen Roberts
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What Is H1N1 Flu?
The Spread of H1N1 Flu
Symptoms of H1N1 Flu
H1N1 and Children
The H1N1 Flu Vaccine
How to Protect Yourself
Final Notes
Moms Talk About H1N1
H1N1 Resources & Information

Unless you've been living under a rock, you've probably heard about the H1N1 pandemic that is spreading across the country. You probably have questions and concerns, especially if you are pregnant or if you have small children. What is H1N1? Is it dangerous to you if you're pregnant? What about your unborn baby or children? Is there a vaccine? How can you avoid getting sick to begin with? Read on to learn everything you need to know about H1N1.

What Is H1N1 Flu?

H1N1 was first detected in April of 2009. At that time it was called, somewhat inaccurately, "Swine Flu." This name was due to the lab results that showed the virus to have many genes that were similar to a flu virus affecting North American swine. It also had two genes similar to European and Asian flu viruses that affected swine as well. In addition, it contained genes similar to genes in bird flu and human flu viruses. This combination of genes in one virus was called a quadruple reassortment by scientists.

When news first broke about "Swine Flu," people were afraid. This was a new virus that had never been seen before and no one was sure what to expect. By June 11, 2009, H1N1 was officially at pandemic levels according to the World Health Organization (WHO), with cases too numerous to count.

The Spread of H1N1 Flu

Spread of H1N1 is through the same ways as the standard, seasonal flu. It is spread from person to person through coughing, sneezing or even touching an object with the virus on it and then touching your nose or mouth. The virus can actually live on surfaces for two to eight hours waiting to be transferred to a host, so keeping things clean is very important. It cannot spread through pork.

While the word "pandemic" sounds very scary, one fact that may ease your mind is that most of those who have been infected with H1N1 have recovered without any need for medical intervention. For the average person, using common sense will go a long way toward recovery as well as preventing the spread of this virus. However, if you're pregnant common sense may not be enough.

Unlike seasonal flu, which typically causes death among the elderly and those with specific health issues, H1N1 is causing deaths among younger people; people who should not ordinarily be bothered by the flu. The greatest risk for H1N1 rests with those who are aged 25 and under. High risk individuals include:

• Those with a compromised immune system
• Asthma
• Diabetes
• Kidney disease
• Heart disease
• Pregnant women.

Symptoms of H1N1 Flu

If you are pregnant, you should call your doctor to see if he recommends an antiviral medication to prevent this strain of the flu from attacking you. Most commonly, the antiviral oseltamivir (known as Tamiflu) is prescribed to prevent or treat H1N1 virus in pregnant women, even though there have been no studies conducted to determine the safety of this treatment. Accepting this treatment while pregnant is something you will need to discuss with your doctor. Typical treatment to prevent H1N1 is a 10 day course; typical treatment when you are ill is five days. Treatment may minimize your symptoms and make you feel better.

If you are concerned that you may have been exposed to H1N1, watch for the following symptoms:

• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Stuffy nose
• Body aches
• Headache
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea (sometimes)
• Vomiting (sometimes)

If you experience these symptoms, call your doctor for further instructions. While it is currently unknown how H1N1 can affect your unborn baby, it is possible that contracting this virus can increase your chance of pneumonia and of early labor. This is based on the complications that are common with pregnant women who contract seasonal flu; it is not known if H1N1 can cause the same problems.