PREGNANT AND DIAGNOSED WITH H1N1?

Question

Hi ladies!  Hope everyone is doing well.  Just was wondering has anyone out there been diagnosed with the H1N1?  If so how are you doing?  What are your symptoms and how bad is it?  Did you have the vaccine at all?  Did you catch it after or before the vaccine was administered?  What are you doing to take care of yourself?  What did the doctor prescribe after finding out you have it?  If you don't have it do you know anyone who has been diagnosed with it?

Alba333 · Answer

I'm sooo glad to hear that the kids are all doing better!  How long were they sick for?  I took my little one out of preschool until this whole flu period is over.  I think they are saying that by about mid November it should have already passed.  At that point I will consider possibly putting him back in.  He has a very strong immune system, I have to say.  He has never  been sick except for a stomach virus when he was 2 no allergies and never has ever had an ear infection.  I'm pretty lucky.  At this time I'm giving him astragalus herb powder, a good probiotic, extra vit. D, acerola powder (it's high in "C") his regular multi vita. Transfer factor which comes from colostrum.  I tell ya it might sound like a lot but this kid eats almost nothing!  He makes me crazy!  He is sooo picky I have to hide veges in his juices, he doesn't like milk not even chocolate!  I don't know how he hasn't gotten sick by now.  Maybe all this extra supplementation of his juices, peanut/almond butter ect. ect. has really helped?  What's a mom to do?

jenstam · Answer

I am 33 weeks pregnant and four out of five of my kids at home had it (swabbed and tested +) last week and the week before. I chose not to take Tamiflu and did not get it. They are all better now THANK GOD. I was afraid, but ready to tackle it!

bny807 · Answer

haha, i did the same - vit C and hand sanitizer i put with his car keys haha

rubyinparadise · Answer

that's awful! i hope you are able to steer clear of it. i sent DH off to work with a dose of vitamins and reminded him to wash his hands a lot today. ;) he's actually better about that than i am.

bny807 · Answer

rubinparadise- same here!! my hubby isn't feeling great and some of his coworkers have been diagnosed with it!    i'm in the third trimester and cant breathe in the first place since my belly is huge - so i defitnely see why it would be bad to get it at this stage! since our lungs are already compromised!     They say immune system is not as strong and lung capacity bad in 3rd tri, is what makes it riskier in the 3rd tri.. as far as 1st and 2nd... i think its mainly just keeping the fever down so you dont hurt the baby's development.. i dont hink women in their 1st and 2nd are having as big of complications (that i'm aware of)... though i still would avoid people!  its crazy how many people are sick down here in texas- lots of teenagers dying the past several weeks especially

rubyinparadise · Answer

ugh... my DH just told me this morning that he's feeling crappy, and that "a bunch of people at work" have the flu. he doesn't know if anyone has been diagnosed with H1N1. From what i understand, the danger is highest if you are 3rd trimester when you get it. Does anyone know what the risks are if you get it in 1st or 2nd tri?

piggy2 · Answer

I work in a hospital and know at least 4.  1 was a nurse who caught it from her pt.  (she has a 9 mo old at home!) and she is fine now.  She had to wear a mask at home around her husband and baby.  She said it was stressful, but DH and baby did not get it.  2 children of my coworkers had it.  They did not get it, AND when one of them went for the Tamiflu, the pharmacy was out!  so, the little one did missed the window for the tamiflu.  (they are both OK now) and the last was a girl who worked in radiology.  Probably caught it from a patient.   She is OK now, but she said she felt like absoulute ****.  She said her skin even hurt.  

So, they all are fine now, but the CDC says if you get the flu this season, you have a greater than 75% chance (or is it higher?) that is will be the H1N1.  

BTW- I am pg, but cannot get the vaccine yet.  I am still undecided but I asked my friend who is a MD (pulmonologist) and he said yep, I should get it.  "cause if it goes bad, its not pretty"

BabyBlue07 · Answer

Thanks God.. I thought you have that.. That's good... i limit myself going out and interact with others... Just for the safe side.. I know couple kids in my daughter's school coming with H1N1... I am afraid she might bring home... take care

adgal · Answer

We are definately experiencing a bit of an outbreak here, but so far I am fine.  As far as I know the vaccine isn't available yet, but I am still going to have it when it is.  I hope all our members stay healthy and have a flu free season...

Alba333 · Answer

Hello there, I'm so sorry didn't want to sound as if I had it.  NO! NO!  Thank God!  I don't have it just wondering if anyone out there did.  Thanks for all the great advice!  I'm sure it will help someone in need!    Alba

BabyBlue07 · Answer

Oh boy.. I am sorry to hear that... Right now H1N1 is so new so we don't know what to expect...  I searched online about H1N1 and pregnancy... Here are some info you might want to read:

What are the symptoms of H1N1?
Symptoms are like seasonal flu and include the following:

Fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headaches, chills and
fatigue. Sometimes, it can also include diarrhea and vomiting.

When should I get emergency medical care?

Seek emergency medical care right immediately if you have any
one or more than one of the following symptoms:

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Confusion
A high fever that is not responding to Tylenol®
Severe or persistent vomiting
Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
Decreased or no movement of your baby
Sudden dizziness

What should I do if I get sick?

If there is H1N1 flu in your community, pay extra attention to
your body and how you are feeling. 

If you get sick with flu-like symptoms, stay home, limit contact
with others, and call your doctor. Your doctor will decide if
testing or treatment is needed. Tests may include a nasal swab
which is best to do within the first 4-5 days of getting sick. Like
regular flu, H1N1 flu may make other medical problems worse. 
If you are alone at any time, have someone check in with you
often if you are feeling ill. 

If you have close contact with someone who has H1N1 flu or is
being treated for exposure to H1N1 flu, contact your doctor to
discuss potential treatment to reduce your chances of the flu.

How is H1N1 flu treated? 
Treat any fever right away. Tylenol® (acetaminophen) is the best
treatment of fever in pregnancy. 

Drink plenty of fluids to replace those you lose when sick. 

Your doctor will decide if you need antiviral drugs such as
Tamiflu® (oseltamivir) or Relenza® (zanamivir). Antiviral drugs
are prescription pills, liquids or inhalers that fight the flu by
keeping germs from growing in your body. These medicines can make you feel better faster and make your symptoms milder. 

These medicines work best when started soon after symptoms
begin (within 2 days), but they may also be given to very sick or
high risk people (like pregnant women) even after 48 hours.
Antiviral treatment is taken for 5 days. 

Tamiflu® and Relenza® are also used to prevent H1N1 flu and
are taken for 10 days. 

There is little information about the effect of antiviral drugs in pregnant women or their babies, but no serious side effects have been reported. If you do think you have had a side effect to antiviral drugs, call your doctor right away.