On September 29th the CDC released Interim Recommendations for Clinical Use of Influenza Diagnostic Tests During the 2010-11 Influenza Season, for Health Care Providers, and information for the public.
CDC’s highest priority message is to “treat pregnant women with influenza-like illness as soon as possible; treatment should not be withheld pending results of testing for influenza, if testing is done.”
Do the obvious – get vaccinated. It is important to get the seasonal flu vaccines ASAP. We will be contacting our pregnant patients first when we receive the swine flu vaccines. Wash hands often and avoid touching your face. If mildly ill stay at home. Please call before coming to the office so that we can direct you to the most appropriate location for evaluation to decrease exposure.
Some pregnant women are concerned about mercury (thimersoal) in vaccines as a risk for being vaccinated. However, there is no evidence that thimerosal (used as a preservative in vaccine packaged in multi-dose vials) is harmful to pregnant women or the fetus. Because of their concern, however, there will be preservative-free seasonal and H1N1 vaccine available in single dose syringes for pregnant women and young children.
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