17 December 2009
The top doctor and most senior midwife at Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust are encouraging local mums-to-be to get vaccinated against swine flu this winter.
Dr Jonathan Kwan, the Trust's Medical Director, said: "For most people, swine flu is mild. It comes on quickly and generally lasts for around a week, causing fever, tiredness, a cough and a sore throat.
"However, some people are more likely to become seriously ill with swine flu, including pregnant women. This is why it is important for them to have the vaccine."
Head of Midwifery Sally Sivas continued: "Pregnant women are considerably more likely to develop serious complications from swine flu. Data published by the World Health Organisation shows that up to 10 per cent of all people hospitalised with swine flu are women who are more than three months pregnant.
"The risk of complications, which includes miscarriage and premature labour, is highest during the later stages of pregnancy.
"Having the vaccine now could help you avoid catching swine flu and protect your baby."
Like everyone, mothers-to-be, are advised to take the following steps to reduce their risk of infection and complications:
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observe good hand hygiene (frequent use of soap and water or sanitizer);
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wherever possible, avoid contact with someone who is known or suspected to have swine flu;
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if they have flu-like symptoms, to make early contact with their GP who may advise treatment with antiviral drugs;
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some mothers-to-be may wish to continue their day-to-day activities but exercise their choice now, on a highly precautionary basis, to avoid large densely-populated gatherings where they have little control over personal contact.
