Swine Flu and Pregnant Women

[Sasha]

This

Unfortunately most have been young pregnant women and children.

reminded me of a couple articles I read, thought I'd share them.

Pregnancy Increases Risk of Severe H1N1 Disease
Full Article: http://www.medpagetoday.com/InfectiousDisease/SwineFlu/15284

TORONTO, July 29 -- Pregnant women are at greater risk for severe disease and complications from H1N1 pandemic flu than the general public, researchers said.

They should be treated promptly with antiviral drugs if the pandemic flu strain is suspected, according to Denise Jamieson, MD, of the CDC, and colleagues.

The recommendation is based on an analysis of cases and deaths of pregnant women from the pandemic strain in the early weeks of the U.S. outbreak, Dr. Jamieson and colleagues reported online in The Lancet.

ACIP: Pregnant Women Among Top Priorities for Swine Flu Vaccine
Full Article: http://www.medpagetoday.com/MeetingCoverage/AdditionalMeetings/15302

ATLANTA, July 29 -- A little over half the U.S. population, including pregnant women, should have priority for vaccine against the 2009 H1N1 (swine flu) virus in the fall, a CDC advisory committee said here.

Also included in the initial group were all children and adults younger than 25, healthcare and emergency medical services personnel, household and caregiver contacts of children younger than 6 months, and adults younger than 65 with preexisting medical conditions.