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Clinical:Influenza A H1N1

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Contents

Other Names

Swine Flu.

Signs and Symptoms

Fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.

Causes

Diagnosis

Exams and tests

Treatment

Treatment in Pregnancy: Cases of H1N1 influenza have been reported in pregnancy in the United States (Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Infections in Three Pregnant Women --- United States, April--May 2009).

Pregnancy is a state of alterations in the immunological, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems that place patients at increased risk during some illnesses. With seasonal influenza, pregnant women are at increased risk of morbidity and mortality, with complications such as respiratory failure. It is not yet known whether pregnant women with Influenza A H1N1 will be similarly affected. Pregnant women who become ill with flu-like symptoms should contact their health care worker early in the course of illness to confirm the diagnosis of influenza and to determine if antiviral medications are indicated. The CDC is preferentially recommending oseltamivir at this time, because its systemic absorption may provide better protection against mother-to-child transmission.[1] Treatment should be initiated within 48 hours of symptom onset and a 5 day course is recommended. Pregnant women with exposure to confirmed, probable, or suspected H1N1 influenza should consider taking a preventative course of oseltamivir or zanamivir for 10 days.[2] Illness with influenza is NOT a contraindication to nursing. Furthermore, pregnancy or nursing are NOT contraindications to taking antiviral zanamivir or oseltamivir.[3]

Medications

Prevention

Chemoprophylaxis recommended

The CDC recommends that certain groups should receive a 10-day prophylactic course of oseltamivir or zanamivir antiviral medications:

  • Pregnant women in close contact with a confirmed, probable, or suspected case of H1N1 influenza[4]
  • Household close contacts with a high risk of complications of influenza (persons with certain chronic medical conditions, age over 65, age under 5) who have close contact with a confirmed or probable case of H1N1 influenza
  • Healthcare personnel having close contact with a confirmed, probable, or suspected case of H1N1 influenza without appropriate personal protective equipment

    Because of increased risks of influenza in pregnancy, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the WHO have recommended that all pregnant women be offered inactivated influenza vaccine.[5][6] The vaccine may be given in any trimester. Influenza vaccination is intended to prevent seasonal influenza and has been shown in a randomized controlled trial to be effective.[7] At this time, however, influenza vaccination will not protect against 2009 Influenza A H1N1 flu.

    Chemoprophylaxis may be considered

    The CDC suggests that chemoprophylaxis with a 10-day course of oseltamivir or zanamivir may be considered for the following groups:

  • Household close contacts with a high risk of complications of influenza (persons with certain chronic medical conditions, age over 65, age under 5) who have close contact with a suspected case of H1N1 influenza
  • Children attending school or daycare who are at high-risk for complications of influenza (children with certain chronic medical conditions) and who had close contact (face-to-face) with a confirmed, probable, or suspected case
  • Health care workers who are at high-risk for complications of influenza (e.g., persons with certain chronic medical conditions, persons 65 or older, and pregnant women) who are working in an area of the healthcare facility that contains patients with confirmed swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) cases, or who is caring for patients with any acute febrile respiratory illness
  • Travelers to Mexico who are at high-risk for complications of influenza (e.g., persons with certain chronic medical conditions, persons 65 or older, children younger than 5 years old, and pregnant women)
  • First responders who are at high-risk for complications of influenza (e.g., persons with certain chronic medical conditions, persons 65 or older, children younger than 5 years old, and pregnant women) and who are working in areas with confirmed cases of swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus infection.

    Epidemiology

    Outbreaks

    Statistics

    Incidence

    Prevalence

    Scope and impact

    Global impact

    Notable Experts

    Organizations

    Other Resources

    References

    External Links

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    • The content on or accessible through Medpedia.com is for informational purposes only. Medpedia is not a substitute for professional advice or expert medical services from a qualified health professional. Read more