Am I at risk for Swine Flu?

The H1N1 virus is becoming quite widespread in South Africa as it is worldwide.

As a pregnant women the virus is more of a concern. A pregnant woman's immune system is not going to function as effectively against the virus. Particularly in the last trimester of pregnancy (27-40 weeks). Children under five are also considered a risk category.

As a pregnant woman, if you have any of the following symptoms, contact your healthcare provider:

* Fever (not always present)
* Cough
* Runny or stuffy nose
* Sore throat
* Body aches
* Headache
* Fatigue or tiredness
* Diarrhoea or vomiting (not always present)
* Loss of appetite

More serious symptoms include:
* Rapid breathing or trouble breathing
* Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
* Severe or persistent vomiting
* Sudden dizziness
* Confusion
* Regular flu symptoms that subside but then reappear with fever and a persistent cough

Please be careful mommies.

The first list of symptoms also applies to children.

The more serious list of symptoms for children includes:

* Rapid breathing or trouble breathing
* Bluish or gray skin
* Not drinking enough fluid
* Severe or persistent vomiting
* Not waking or interacting
* Irritability: won't be held or hugged
* Flu symptoms that improve but then return with a fever and a worse cough.

Again, contact your healthcare provider who will be able to advise you on what to do.

Also, be aware that there are risks associated with treating small children with the antiviral Tamiflu. There are side effects that you will want to discuss with your healthcare provider. These include nightmares and nausea, among other things.

Kerry