Pregnant Women With Flu Need Medical Advice Early

COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER The Princess Margaret Hospital, Level 2 Cashmere Road, PO Box 1600 CHRISTCHURCH

MEDIA RELEASE

24 July 2009

Pregnant Women With Flu Need Medical Advice Early

Pregnant women or those who have given birth in the previous ten days are advised to phone their GP or the Canterbury Flu Line (0800 37 30 37) promptly if they become unwell with flu-like symptoms.

“People who are pregnant or have another underlying health condition should seek medical advice within the first 48 hours of having flu-like symptoms so that they can lessen the impact of their illness by taking Tamiflu,” Dr Phil Schroeder, who heads the Canterbury Primary Care Pandemic Group, said.

Pregnant women are thought to be at greater risk of complications from the new Influenza A (H1N1) than many other people. Anyone who is pregnant and has influenza symptoms, should consult a doctor before taking any antiviral medicine. Their doctor will assess the risks and benefits of this medicine with them.

Canterbury District Health Board’s Director of Midwifery Samantha Burke said, “Women who are pregnant should try to avoid people that they know are unwell with influenza. This can be especially challenging for pregnant mothers with other children. They will need to call on partners, family and friends to help out if they have
children with the flu.”

At this stage, midwives cannot distribute Tamiflu but pregnant women can obtain it by phoning their GP or the Canterbury Flu Line 0800 37 30 37.

“People with pregnant friends, colleagues and family should make very sure they keep away from them if they are sick,” Ms Burke said.

ENDS

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