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Swine flu tips for mothers-to-be Swine flu tips for mothers-to-be
(about 1 hour later)
Expectant mothers and parents with children under five are being advised to avoid crowds and unnecessary travel to reduce the risk of swine flu.Expectant mothers and parents with children under five are being advised to avoid crowds and unnecessary travel to reduce the risk of swine flu.
The government guidance is being re-issued after a woman with the virus died shortly after giving birth.The government guidance is being re-issued after a woman with the virus died shortly after giving birth.
Meanwhile the National Childbirth Trust has been accused of "scaremongering" for suggesting women delay pregnancy.Meanwhile the National Childbirth Trust has been accused of "scaremongering" for suggesting women delay pregnancy.
The Royal College of General Practitioners told the Observer it was a "disproportionate reaction".The Royal College of General Practitioners told the Observer it was a "disproportionate reaction".
Alan Johnson, the former health secretary, agreed it was an "overreaction" to say women should not have babies at this time.
Concern over the effects of swine flu on new and expectant mothers has heightened since the death of Ruptara Miah, 39, in London's Whipps Cross Hospital on 13 July. Her baby is said to be very ill in intensive care.Concern over the effects of swine flu on new and expectant mothers has heightened since the death of Ruptara Miah, 39, in London's Whipps Cross Hospital on 13 July. Her baby is said to be very ill in intensive care.
Good hygieneGood hygiene
Another child under six months old, who died in London, is also among the latest victims of the virus.Another child under six months old, who died in London, is also among the latest victims of the virus.
The re-issued Department of Health advice, to be collated and published on the NHS website on Sunday, is based on recommendations given out by the Royal College of Midwives.The re-issued Department of Health advice, to be collated and published on the NHS website on Sunday, is based on recommendations given out by the Royal College of Midwives.
Health experts say expectant mothers could suffer possible complications if they contract swine flu, such as pneumonia, breathing difficulties and dehydration, because they have suppressed immune systems. Young children are also vulnerable.Health experts say expectant mothers could suffer possible complications if they contract swine flu, such as pneumonia, breathing difficulties and dehydration, because they have suppressed immune systems. Young children are also vulnerable.
Pregnant women are being told to practise good hygiene by washing their hands frequently with soap and water, and to avoid crowded places when possible.Pregnant women are being told to practise good hygiene by washing their hands frequently with soap and water, and to avoid crowded places when possible.
Most mothers-to-be with swine flu are being prescribed Relenza, an inhaled antiviral drug which treats the virus without reaching the foetus. However, where it is particularly severe, doctors can offer Tamiflu instead.Most mothers-to-be with swine flu are being prescribed Relenza, an inhaled antiviral drug which treats the virus without reaching the foetus. However, where it is particularly severe, doctors can offer Tamiflu instead.
The NHS website stresses that most expectant mothers who contract swine flu will only have mild symptoms and recover within a week.The NHS website stresses that most expectant mothers who contract swine flu will only have mild symptoms and recover within a week.
'Hysteria''Hysteria'
Further advice, however, on the National Childbirth Trust (NCT) website has sparked consternation.Further advice, however, on the National Childbirth Trust (NCT) website has sparked consternation.
It says: "The Department of Health advises that it may be sensible for those trying for children to consider delaying conception whilst the pandemic is going on."It says: "The Department of Health advises that it may be sensible for those trying for children to consider delaying conception whilst the pandemic is going on."
Professor Steve Field, chairman of the Royal College of General Practitioners, told the Observer newspaper: "This is one of the few times I have disagreed with the NCT.Professor Steve Field, chairman of the Royal College of General Practitioners, told the Observer newspaper: "This is one of the few times I have disagreed with the NCT.
"Although technically correct, its advice is a completely disproportionate reaction...because it adds to the sense of hysteria and panic that seems to be engulfing the nation.""Although technically correct, its advice is a completely disproportionate reaction...because it adds to the sense of hysteria and panic that seems to be engulfing the nation."
If you are pregnant, you are slightly more susceptible to all infections. One of them is swine flu Belinda PhippsNational Childbirth TrustIf you are pregnant, you are slightly more susceptible to all infections. One of them is swine flu Belinda PhippsNational Childbirth Trust
The Department of Health said it advised women to plan their pregnancy carefully, but was not advising against trying to conceive.The Department of Health said it advised women to plan their pregnancy carefully, but was not advising against trying to conceive.
"Mums-to-be are more vulnerable to any type of flu. It is particularly important that anyone who has existing health problems and is thinking about starting a family should talk to their GP first, as they normally would," a spokesman for the department said."Mums-to-be are more vulnerable to any type of flu. It is particularly important that anyone who has existing health problems and is thinking about starting a family should talk to their GP first, as they normally would," a spokesman for the department said.
Belinda Phipps, chief executive of National Childbirth Trust, said that while the risks for expectant mothers were low, women needed information to make an informed decision.Belinda Phipps, chief executive of National Childbirth Trust, said that while the risks for expectant mothers were low, women needed information to make an informed decision.
"If you are pregnant, you are slightly more susceptible to all infections. One of them is swine flu."If you are pregnant, you are slightly more susceptible to all infections. One of them is swine flu.
"It is important that pregnant women know that - and particularly other members of the population know that - so that they behave responsibly and if they are sick they don't go and put themselves close to a pregnant woman.""It is important that pregnant women know that - and particularly other members of the population know that - so that they behave responsibly and if they are sick they don't go and put themselves close to a pregnant woman."
Speaking on BBC1's Andrew Marr Show, Alan Johnson, the new home secretary, said an unexpected aspect of the virus was that it was attacking the young, not the elderly as with traditional seasonal flu.
He called on parents to keep using their common sense, saying the "vast majority" had been following public health advice.
Another Department of Health advice for swine flu sufferers is to delay summer holidays until symptoms have gone.
Abta, which represents travel agents and tour operators, said the cost of cancellation due to swine flu would be covered by travel insurance.
Both British Airways and Virgin Atlantic have confirmed this weekend that its staff were not allowing suspected sufferers to travel.
Twenty-nine people have now died in the UK after contracting swine flu - 26 in England and three in Scotland.Twenty-nine people have now died in the UK after contracting swine flu - 26 in England and three in Scotland.
The government has warned that the number of deaths from the virus this winter in the UK could reach between 19,000 and 65,000.The government has warned that the number of deaths from the virus this winter in the UK could reach between 19,000 and 65,000.
However, during the 1999 to 2000 winter, seasonal flu deaths reached 21,000 and even during average winters there are normally anywhere between 6,000 to 8,000 deaths.However, during the 1999 to 2000 winter, seasonal flu deaths reached 21,000 and even during average winters there are normally anywhere between 6,000 to 8,000 deaths.


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