Pregnant Women Asked Not to Stay Isolated to Avoid Swine Flu
Some recent reports had indicated that pregnant women were advised to stay at home, if possible and also avoid any unnecessary travelling, especially by public transport. These reports had created a lot of confusion, which was finally put to rest by communication from the Department of Health, which advises women to undertake all their ordinary activities including going to work, but with the condition that they take care of themselves in terms of hygiene, approaching a doctor in case of sickness and also avoiding people showing symptoms of swine flu.
The advice has been issued in response to some reports that pregnant women are at a greater risk of contracting swine flu with added complications and the risks increase manifold in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Further, the Governments of several countries like Australia and New Zealand have advised pregnant women to cover their faces with masks and to work from home during their pregnancy. However, the
The Chief Medical Officer, Sir Liam Donaldson said that pregnant women are not needed to restrict their everyday activities which may include going to work. They can also keep using public transport and participate in social functions without any hindrance. The Government also said that it would be premature to determine the risks to individuals in special cases like this, especially because most pregnant women who contract swine flu get cured without too many complications. The advice may, however, be reviewed if the disease reaches a new high in autumn.
