This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/health/8157755.stm

The article has changed 12 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 8 Version 9
Swine flu tips for mothers-to-be Swine flu pregnancy tips reissued
(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. The Department of Health has attempted to clarify its guidelines to expectant mothers and parents with children under five on how best to avoid swine flu.
The government guidance is being re-issued after a woman with the virus died shortly after giving birth. Its advice to practise good hygiene by washing hands and surfaces regularly has been re-issued after a woman with the virus died soon after giving birth.
Meanwhile the National Childbirth Trust has been accused of "scaremongering" for suggesting women delay pregnancy. The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) says all expectant mothers should avoid crowded places and unnecessary travel.
The Royal College of General Practitioners told the Observer it was a "disproportionate reaction". But the DoH says only the "particularly concerned" should consider the advice.
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.
Swine flu advice for pregnant women from the Royal College of MidwivesSwine flu advice for pregnant women from the Royal College of Midwives
The re-issued Department of Health advice, to be collated and published on the NHS website later on Sunday, is based on recommendations given out by the Royal College of Midwives. The refreshed DoH advice has been given greater prominence on its website.
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.
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' Belinda Phipps, chief executive of the National Childbirth Trust (NCT), said that while the risks for expectant mothers were low, women needed information to make an informed decision.
Further advice, however, on the National Childbirth Trust (NCT) website has sparked consternation.
If you are pregnant, you are slightly more susceptible to all infections. One of them is swine flu Belinda Phipps, NCT
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.
"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."
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.
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.
Alan Johnson: NCT advice "an overreaction"Alan Johnson: NCT advice "an overreaction"
"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."
Louise Silverton, deputy general secretary of the Royal College of Midwives, said women could not be expected to wait for the first wave of the pandemic to end before trying for a baby. If you are pregnant, you are slightly more susceptible to all infections. One of them is swine flu Belinda Phipps, NCT
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 DoH spokesman said.
Louise Silverton, deputy general secretary of the RCM, said women could not be expected to wait for the first wave of the pandemic to end before trying for a baby.
Speaking on BBC One'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 seasonal flu.Speaking on BBC One'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 seasonal flu.
He called on parents to keep using their common sense, saying the "vast majority" had been following public health advice.He called on parents to keep using their common sense, saying the "vast majority" had been following public health advice.
Beirut is among the countries screening travellers
Other 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.
But passengers at British airports are not routinely screened for symptoms. "All the medical advice is that it would make no difference to screen them," said the health minister Gillian Merron.
To limit the spread of the virus, she said it was more effective for everyone to observe basic hygiene, such as washing hands and disposing of used tissues promptly, and for those with swine flu symptoms to stay at home.
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.
The National Flu Service will go live at the end of next week
We asked you whether you were concerned about the effects swine flu might have on expectant mothers. Here is a selection of your comments.We asked you whether you were concerned about the effects swine flu might have on expectant mothers. Here is a selection of your comments.
I am in the third trimester of pregnancy, and I am asthmatic. I am concerned that neither Tamiflu or Relenza will be suitable for me if I contract swine flu.Louise, NottinghamI am in the third trimester of pregnancy, and I am asthmatic. I am concerned that neither Tamiflu or Relenza will be suitable for me if I contract swine flu.Louise, Nottingham
This is such stupid advice. I am pregnant and travel to work every day on a packed Tube. How am I supposed to avoid crowded places and unnecessary travel? It's impossible. I can't just stop going to work can I?Laura, HertfordshireThis is such stupid advice. I am pregnant and travel to work every day on a packed Tube. How am I supposed to avoid crowded places and unnecessary travel? It's impossible. I can't just stop going to work can I?Laura, Hertfordshire
My daughter has a 4yr old son who has swine flu, she is 4 months pregnant and worried in case she catches it and it harms the baby, we are also worried about the treatments used in pregnant women. There is to much contradiction going around to know what to believe.Tina, EssexMy daughter has a 4yr old son who has swine flu, she is 4 months pregnant and worried in case she catches it and it harms the baby, we are also worried about the treatments used in pregnant women. There is to much contradiction going around to know what to believe.Tina, Essex
I am currently 24 weeks pregnant and have been ill and at home for 5 days now with bad cold symptoms. After consulting the doctor by phone I was told it could possibly be swine flu but how am I to know? I am usually very level headed in these situations but not sure that not swabbing pregnant women with symptoms is wise - at least if we know if we have it we can be better informed!Anonymous, WalesI am currently 24 weeks pregnant and have been ill and at home for 5 days now with bad cold symptoms. After consulting the doctor by phone I was told it could possibly be swine flu but how am I to know? I am usually very level headed in these situations but not sure that not swabbing pregnant women with symptoms is wise - at least if we know if we have it we can be better informed!Anonymous, Wales
I am 36 weeks pregnant and came into contact with Swine flu last week. I experienced a slight sore throat spoke with a nurse at NHS direct and my GP and was completely reassured that I was fine and not displaying any symptoms. There is definitely some scaremongering going on but if you seek appropriate medical advice your fears can be eased.Jo, Romford, EssexI am 36 weeks pregnant and came into contact with Swine flu last week. I experienced a slight sore throat spoke with a nurse at NHS direct and my GP and was completely reassured that I was fine and not displaying any symptoms. There is definitely some scaremongering going on but if you seek appropriate medical advice your fears can be eased.Jo, Romford, Essex
I have got a 14 month old child and am currently pregnant. I'm very worried we could all catch the virus as a lot of people where we live are getting it. Also it is going round schools where my niece goes. I believe there should be vaccinations soon as possible for young children and those who it could endanger more than othersNikki, Chelmsford, EssexI have got a 14 month old child and am currently pregnant. I'm very worried we could all catch the virus as a lot of people where we live are getting it. Also it is going round schools where my niece goes. I believe there should be vaccinations soon as possible for young children and those who it could endanger more than othersNikki, Chelmsford, Essex