Welcome to The Midwifery Collective of Ottawa
What is the H1N1 flu?
The novel influenza A (H1N1) virus is an influenza virus first detected in humans in April 2009. It is spread via coughing, sneezing, and touching and is thought to act very similarly to seasonal influenza. Symptoms include general flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headaches, chills and fatigue.
How can I protect myself and my family from the virus?
The best protection against the H1N1 virus is basic infection control:
- washing your hands thoroughly and frequently
- use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers
- proper coughing and sneezing etiquette
- keeping common surfaces clean
- staying at home if flu-like symptoms develop
- boost your natural immunity with Vitamin C rich foods such as citrus fruits, peppers, etc. or a Vitamin C supplement that contains zinc to aid absorption
- drinking warm liquids throughout the day can help wash down proliferating viruses to the stomach where they cannot survive
At present, evidence suggests the groups identified at higher risk of influenza-related complications from seasonal influenza and the H1N1 2009 include pregnant women in their second and especially third trimester and women within four weeks post-partum. Experience with past pandemics demonstrates they can be affected disproportionately compared to non-pregnant women.
Currently, little is known about whether influenza viruses are transmitted to the fetus through the placenta, although this class of viruses is not considered to cause birth defects in humans.
Ideally, pregnant women who have suspected H1N1 infection should be tested for influenza. However, treatment should not be delayed pending results of testing and treatment should not be withheld in the absence of testing. This is because antiviral treatment is most effective when started as early as possible after the onset of symptoms (i.e. within the first 2 days). Early treatment with influenza antiviral medications is recommended for pregnant women with suspected influenza illness. The current strain of H1N1 is sensitive to the antiviral medications zanamivir (Relenza®) and oseltamivir (Tamiflu®). Because of its systemic activity, the drug of choice for treatment of pregnant women is oseltamivir. Recommended duration of treatment is five days. Midwives are unable to prescribe these antivirals. Please contact your family physician or a walk-in clinic immediately if you develop the above symptoms and require antiviral treatment.
The seasonal flu shot is not made to protect against the H1N1 flu virus. It is expected that the vaccines will be administered separately, at least a few weeks apart.
No deaths or serious adverse events have been reported from any H1N1 flu vaccine. Thus far, side effects reported by recipients are injection site pain, muscular pain, malaise, headache, and nausea. The vaccine contains thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative, which most vaccines no longer contain. It has been suggested that childhood vaccines containing thimerosal are linked to autism, but mainstream government and health organizations have rejected this claim. Pregnant woman should receive the adjuvant-free H1N1 vaccine. Adjuvant is a substance added to increase the effectiveness of the vaccine, but its safety is not known for pregnant women.
Vaccination is not recommended for children under 6 months old. Because there are antibodies in breastmilk, breastfeeding gives your baby protection against infectious diseases, including the flu. To further protect your baby from H1N1 people with the flu should be asked to stay away, and all visitors should wash their hands before touching the baby.
MCO continues to follow rigorous infection and prevention control procedures. We recommend clients call in and cancel appointments if they are experiencing flu-like symptoms. The Association of Ontario Midwives is in correspondence with the Ministry of Health in regards to vaccination plans and H1N1 updates.
Web links:
Local Vaccination Clinics for H1N1
The Public Health Agency of Canada flu Website
Should I seek medical care? H1N1 on-line self-assessment
Article on Reported Side Effects from H1N1 Vaccines
Article Making the Case for a Link Between Thimerosal and Autism
Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women-H1N1 Flu Virus (The Public Health Agency of Canada)
Information about Pregnancy and H1N1 Flu Virus (The Public Health Agency of Canada)