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2009 H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu): Information for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women

2009 H1N1 flu (formerly called swine flu) is caused by a type of influenza virus called H1N1. Symptoms are very similar to those caused by other flu viruses and include fever, body aches, sore throat and cough, and sometimes stomach upset, vomiting, and diarrhea. As with other flu illnesses, symptoms may be worse in people who have underlying medical conditions. For more information about the 2009 H1N1 flu,  see the OTIS fact sheets in English and Spanish and visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website: www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu.

Since this is a new virus, there is little information on its effects in pregnant or breastfeeding women. However, similar flu viruses have not been shown to cause birth defects in babies whose mothers had the flu. Pregnant women are at an increased risk for complications from the flu. For this reason, it is important to try to protect yourself from getting sick, and to contact your health care provider if you become ill.

Help prevent yourself and others from getting sick:
  • Get vaccinated. Both the H1N1 vaccine and seasonal flu vaccine are recommended for pregnant women.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are obviously ill.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water frequently.
  • Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.
If you become sick:
  • Contact your health care provider.
  • A high fever may increase risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes, so it is important to treat fever during pregnancy. If you have a fever over 101°F, take Tylenol (acetaminophen). Follow the instructions on the package.
  • Drink plenty of fluids.
  • Your doctor may recommend antiviral medications to lessen the symptoms of the flu and to reduce the risk of serious illness. For more information, please see the OTIS fact sheet: Antiviral Medications to Treat/Prevent Influenza during Pregnancy in English and Spanish or call OTIS at 1-866-626-6847.
  • Your doctor may recommend medications to treat specific flu symptoms, such as cough. If you have questions about the safety of these medications during pregnancy and breastfeeding, please contact OTIS toll-free at 1-866-626-6847 to speak with one of our specialists.
  • If you are breastfeeding, do not stop nursing your baby. When you become ill, you already have antibodies in your breast milk that will help the baby stay well. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids.
If you have questions about the 2009 H1N1 flu during pregnancy or breastfeeding, please call OTIS at 1-866-626-6847 to speak with one of our phone counselors.

OTIS is currently conducting the OTIS Vaccines and Medications in Pregnancy Study (VAMPSS). The purpose of the study is to learn more about influenza vaccines and antiviral medication use in pregnancy. If you are pregnant and have received the seasonal influenza vaccine, the H1N1 vaccine, or have taken an antiviral medication to prevent or treat the flu (including Tamiflu or Relenza), and you are interested in learning more about this study, please contact the OTIS VAMPSS Coordinating Center at 877-311-8972.



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Have you gotten your seasonal flu shot?

Did you know that pregnant women are at an increased risk to develop complications from the seasonal flu? An important way to protect yourself against the flu this season is to get vaccinated. The seasonal influenza vaccine given by injection (flu shot) is recommended for all pregnant and breastfeeding women. The seasonal flu shot is available at most doctors’ offices and pharmacies now. For more information about seasonal influenza and the flu vaccine, check out the OTIS fact sheets in English and Spanish.

Getting the seasonal flu vaccine during pregnancy may even help protect your baby from getting sick after she is born. A study showed that the babies of women who got the flu vaccine during pregnancy were less likely to get sick from the flu in their first six months of life compared to babies of mothers who did not get the vaccine1. Getting the flu vaccine while breastfeeding can help prevent you from getting sick and passing the illness to your baby.

This year, it is also recommended that pregnant women get the H1N1 vaccine. This vaccine protects against the 2009 H1N1 flu (formerly called the swine flu) but does not provide protection for the seasonal flu. It is important that pregnant women get both the seasonal and H1N1 vaccines this year. For more information about the H1N1 flu vaccine during pregnancy, see the OTIS fact sheets in English and Spanish.

If you have questions about getting the flu vaccine during pregnancy or breastfeeding, call OTIS at 1-866-626-6847 to speak with one of our phone counselors.

OTIS is currently conducting the OTIS Vaccines and Medications in Pregnancy Study (VAMPSS). The purpose of the study is to learn more about influenza vaccines and antiviral medication use in pregnancy. If you are pregnant and have received the seasonal influenza vaccine, the H1N1 vaccine, or have taken an antiviral medication to prevent or treat the flu (including Tamiflu or Relenza), and you are interested in learning more about this study, please contact the OTIS VAMPSS Coordinating Center at 877-311-8972.  

1.  Zaman K, et al. 2008. Effectiveness of maternal influenza immunization in mothers and infants. N Engl J Med 359(15):1555-64.

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