The CDC recommends all pregnant women be vaccinated with the H1N1 vaccine.  They are providing the vaccine to our office, with an expected arrival date of late October or early November.  The vaccine is administered in one dose. A nominal administration fee will be charged at the time of adminstration.  We will offer the vaccine to all of our pregnant patients when it becomes available.  At that time we will have a special flu vaccination clinic, or you may obtain the vaccine by making an appointment with the shot nurse.

We are recommending our pregnant patients obtain the seasonal flu vaccine, available at pharmacies or through work.  We have some of the seasonal flu vaccine in our office, but have not been given enough to vaccinate all of our pregnant patients.  Ask at your next visit if we have seasonal flu vaccine.

Prevention

The local hospitals have started prohibiting children less than 18 years old from entering the hospital unless they are ill.  This is an attempt to limit flu transmission in the hospital.  Rock Hill Gyn & Ob would encourage those coming in for routine visits to bring children only if absolutely necessary.  This will hopefully limit exposure in our office.

If a family member living with you is diagnosed with H1N1 (swine flu) or Influenza A, please notify our office.  The current recommendation is for pregnant women to start the antiviral medication Tamiflu.  While this may not prevent you from getting the flu, it should lessen your chances.

Remember the influenza virus is shed through respiratory secretions, so wash hands often and do not eat or drink after family members.

Frequently asked questions:

How do I know if I have the flu?

The symptoms of the flu can vary from person to person but generally include:                

• Fever 101* F or higher
• Severe muscle aches
• Mild sore throat
• Dry cough
• Occasional nausea/diarrhea

If I am pregnant and think I have the flu, what do I do?

Call us - if the symptoms are classic for the flu you do not have to be seen in the office.  If we are not sure it is the flu you will be given a time to be seen.  We will try to limit your exposure to other patients by seeing you in an exam room and not have you wait in the reception area.

What can be done if I have the flu?

Remember, most cases of the flu are uncomplicated, lasting 4-5 days with no complications.

The current recommendation is for Tamiflu to be started within 48 hours of symptoms to hopefully lessen the symptoms and shorten the course.  Tamiflu is given  twice daily for 7 days.  Even if the symptoms are present greater than 48 hours, we may still consider Tamiflu treatment.

Try to keep fever down with Tylenol (no Advil, Motrin or Nopin) or soaks in a bath with cool water/or shower.

When should I be concerned about my symptoms?

The major complications with the H1N1 flu has been respiratory with development of pneumonia.  The symptoms would include increasing shortness of breath and increased cough.  Please call us if these symptoms develop.

Please remember we are always happy to answer your questions about the flu and its treatment.