Influenza A (H1N1) latest: pregnancy advice and vaccines
23 July 2009
The flu service will be able to quickly diagnose people with swine flu and give them the opportunity to get antivirals from local centres, meaning in turn that GPs' time will be freed up enabling them to deal with other illnesses. 
Andy Burnham MP, Secretary of State for Health
The UK Department of Health (DH) has issued a statement reinforcing the advice for pregnant women on influenza A (H1N1).
Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Sir Liam Donaldson, doesn't encourage pregnant women to stop their normal daily activities such as travelling on public transport, going to work or attending family gatherings. However, he does recommend that pregnant women may want to think carefully about whether or not to attend events with large numbers of people. Sir Liam Donaldson suggested that at this type of event, pregnant women can't control who they have contact with.
Pregnant women are encouraged to reduce their risk of infection from influenza A (H1N1). This can be done by frequently washing hands with soap and water or using a hand sanitiser, and avoiding contact with anyone who has or is suspected to have influenza A (H1N1). Family members should also make sure they are maintaining good hand hygiene.
The CMO also suggests that if pregnant women do have flu-like symptoms, they should contact their GP early as they may need treatment with antiviral medicine, which is already available to treat the symptoms of influenza A (H1N1).
Most pregnant women who get influenza A (H1N1) are likely to make a straightforward recovery. However, the CMO cautions that some may develop complications such as pneumonia. This risk increases in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.
Vaccines
Vaccines for influenza A (H1N1) are currently being developed by two pharmaceutical companies in the UK. The DH expects the first batch of vaccines to be delivered to the NHS in August 2009. At the moment, it's likely that the vaccine will only be available through the NHS, and will be delivered to primary care trusts. Initially the amount of vaccine will be limited, so priority will be given to NHS and social care staff (doctors, nurses, pharmacists, etc) and to the people who are at an increased risk of complications from influenza A (H1N1). The DH expects that there will be enough vaccine for half the UK population by the end of 2009.
The vaccine will be given in two doses, three weeks apart. Both doses must be from the same manufacturer.
It's expected that from the end of this week, the National Pandemic Flu Service in England will be running. This service will help people get advice and arrange treatment for influenza A (H1N1) either online or by telephone. It's hoped that the service will relieve some of the pressure on the NHS.
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Those who are more at risk of complications from influenza A (H1N1) include people with:
It's also thought that pregnant women and those over 65 or under five are also more at risk of complications. |
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