What Expectant Parents Should Know About Influenza (9.22.09)

Congratulations on the upcoming birth of your baby!  We are honored that you have chosen us to share in this special time.  We want to assure you that you have made the right choice, and will receive the very best care possible!

One way of making sure we offer the best care is by making sure our patients are not unnecessarily exposed to bacteria or viruses, such as the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus, while at the medical center.  This is especially important for pregnant or new moms and their babies.  Both are at risk to develop more severe problems than most people if they catch this type of flu.

The 2009 H1N1 influenza virus is expected to circulate at the same time as other cold and flu viruses this fall and winter.  In most people, this virus will cause symptoms that appear just the same as other respiratory infections.  Even for medical personnel like doctors and nurses, there is no quick way to tell for sure if a person’s symptoms are caused by the common cold, another respiratory infection or the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus.

Because expecting moms, new moms and newborn babies might become very sick if they catch the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus, Family Birth Suites is taking extra precautions to prevent its spread. 

Symptoms
Symptoms of 2009 H1N1 influenza cannot easily be distinguished from those of the common cold or seasonal influenza and can include a few or all of the following:

• Fever 
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Muscle or joint aches
• Chills
• Feeling very tired or weak
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

Treatment
If you have any of the symptoms listed above and are pregnant, contact your physician or come to the Urgent Care or Emergency Room at Red Cedar Medical Center within 48 hours of the start of symptoms. 

Hospital Precautions
Visitors

• Visitors with upper respiratory symptoms will not be allowed.
  Mothers with symptoms of 2009 H1N1 influenza will be allowed one dedicated visitor during her stay.  This visitor must wear a gown, mask and gloves.
• If 2009 H1N1 influenza becomes widespread in Wisconsin (see www.cdc.gov website/flu view), visitors under the age of 16 will not be allowed.

If you have 2009 H1N1 influenza symptoms when you have your baby

• You may choose to have your baby cared for separately from you or to have your baby room with you during your entire stay.  At this time (Dec. 8, 2009), the CDC recommends separation of mom and baby. 
• Your physician and nursing staff can talk with you and help you make this difficult decision.
• You will be asked to wear a mask while in labor.
• Staff and visitors will use precautions to prevent the possible spread of the disease
• Breastfeeding is encouraged; however, you may choose to pump breastmilk and have a staff member or well visitor feed the infant until your illness is controlled.

You Can Stop the Spread of the Flu!
Take common-sense steps to limit the spread of germs.

• Make good hygiene a habit.
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Put used tissues in a waste basket.
• Cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve if you don’t have a tissue.
• Clean your hands after coughing or sneezing. Use soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Stay at home if you are sick.
• Don’t smoke

Helpful Resources
Call Red Cedar Medical Center at 715-233-7959 for local 2009 H1N1 influenza information.

Also, visit www.cdc.gov or pandemic.wisconsin.gov for more information.

 
Information adapted from www.cdc.gov