There’s been a lot in the press lately about the swine’influenza pandemic, with special attention focused on the potential threat is causes to pregnant women. In this guide, we will go through some myth busting and provide essential bits of information in regards to dealing with esophageal ‘pregnancy and flu. Why are pregnant women considered a high-risk group throughout the swine ‘influenza pandemic?

Virus

The concern isn’t over this specific strain of flu, but is more related to any viral illness generally – so there is no need to worry if you feared swine flu was somehow targeting pregnant women. No matter the strain or illness that has been’going around’, pregnant women are in the’at risk’ category. When a woman gets pregnant, her immune system is obviously lowered. This is so her body doesn’t fight off the existence of the infant; with this natural lowering of the immune system, the infant might be thought of as a foreign body and the mother’s body will function to expel it.

To avoid this, the immune system is suppressed during pregnancy – and this is truly a good thing, overall. However, during an outbreak of flu, pregnant girls are set in the high-risk category due to their lowered immune systems’. This is a general precaution whatever the virus. So swine’flu is not targeting pregnant women? Are you likely to have swine ‘flu if I’m pregnant? The chance of catching a strain of influenza varies wildly from person to person, and is determined by a variety of factors. Worldwide, the amount of pregnant women who’ve captured swine’flu is proportional to the remainder of the populace.

Immunity

There is, however, an increased risk due to the aforementioned reduced immunity. However, that doesn’t mean it is time to don a face mask and remain at home until your baby is born. Sensible precautions like avoiding crowds and washing your hands frequently stay effective. Will I develop complications from swine’flu if I get it? Whether or not someone develops complications is apparently completely by chance.

There’s no medical evidence concerning the probability of pregnant women suffering the illness more seriously than othersnonetheless, if there’s a pregnant woman whose situation gets serious, it’s more likely to be reported in the media. This is purely due to the human interest angle rather than any greater severity. The huge majority of women who capture swine’flu will recover completely. Should I have the vaccine? Vaccination is a personal option, and nobody can let you know what to do.

Remember

Medical experts say the vaccine is safe and have test results to show it isn’t harmful to pregnant women; and in fact, catching the’flu is more likely to be harmful than any ill effects from the vaccine. As with any vaccine there’s an element of danger, but the vaccines are carefully analyzed and monitored and are deemed safe for use on pregnant women with judgment regulatory bodies. What should I do if I do get swine ‘flu while pregnant? Typically, swine’flu is a mild illness and will pass over seven to ten times on its own – just like every other’flu. Treat it however you would address a case of seasonal’flu. Seek medical attention if your condition rapidly deteriorates or you end up struggling for breathnonetheless, this is extremely unlikely. For most, a couple of days in bed and drinking plenty of fluids will soon find a complete recovery.