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. 2009 Summer;2(3):139-45.

H1N1 Influenza in Pregnancy: What All Obstetric Care Providers Ought to Know

Amanda Carlson  1 , Stephen F Thung, Errol R Norwitz
Affiliations

H1N1 Influenza in Pregnancy: What All Obstetric Care Providers Ought to Know

Amanda Carlson et al. Rev Obstet Gynecol. 2009 Summer.

Abstract

Pregnant women and their fetuses are at high risk of infection with the novel H1N1 influenza A virus. Obstetric providers need to be prepared to provide the care necessary to address the increased morbidity, mortality, and pregnancy-related complications (including spontaneous miscarriage and preterm birth) faced by pregnant women during an influenza pandemic. This article reviews the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies for the current H1N1 influenza pandemic.

Keywords: Clinical manifestation of H1N1 infection in pregnancy; H1N1 complications in pregnancy; H1N1 influenza A.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Influenza virus.
Figure 2
Figure 2
The World Health Organization (WHO) phases of a worldwide pandemic are shown. Phase 1 is when viruses in animals do not cause infections in humans. Phase 2 is when animal viruses are known to cause infection in humans, but this is a rare event. Phase 3 is when animal viruses cause sporadic cases in humans, but where there is very limited or no subsequent human-to-human transmission. Phase 4 is when human-to-human transmission has been verified and is able to cause community-level outbreaks; this level indicates a significant increase in risk of a pandemic. Phase 5 refers to human-to-human transmission documented in at least 2 countries in 1 WHO region; this level represents a strong signal that a pandemic is imminent. Phase 6 refers documented human-to-human transmission and community-level outbreaks in at least 2 countries in different WHO regions; this level indicates a global pandemic. The post-peak phase refers to a decrease in disease levels, but uncertainty as to whether additional waves of disease will occur; previous pandemics have been characterized by several waves of activity over a period of months. The post-pandemic phase refers to return of disease levels to those seen under normal conditions.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Management of influenza A (H1N1) viral infection in pregnancy.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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