NYTimes Highlights Pregnant Woman’s Swine Flu Ordeal
October 20, 2009
Today’s New York Times has a piece profiling what one 27-year-old woman went through when she contracted H1N1 (swine) flu while pregnant. While her case is not going to be representative of how all people will get sick if they contract the flu (pregnant women, for example, are considered to be higher risk), it’s a strong reminder of how serious the infection can be in some people.
For more information, the CDC has resources about H1N1 flu for pregnant women, on topics such as the use of antiviral medications, vaccination, advice for pregnant women in health/child care and education, and general Q&A.
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I was very concerned about this while my daughter was pregnant. Pregnancy suppresses the woman’s immune system.
This story was a outrageous and interesting at the same time. Basically, felt that Ms Opdyke, Mr. Opdyke, and their late daughter, Parker were treated poorly from the start with this. At the same time how they dealt with it. Only part of the story I was happy with was her physical therapist opting not to get the flu shot even dealing with her. As for me I’m torn on all of this and please don’t even get me started on this.
My 2yo contracted the flu last March, just before the H1N1 outbreak, she was 18months at the time. She went from fine to barely breathing in under an hour. The experience gave me a new respect for the virus.
It has been a great concern for women who get pregnant and at high risk for H1N1 or swine flu. Surely, the immune system is at risk and this poses a threat to the mother and the baby. Thanks for this post. I would surely recommend your site to my readers.