For Health Providers
CDC Guidance for Care to Pregnant Women
Posted: September 11, 2009
To: Sonoma County Obstetrical Providers
From: Mark Netherda, MD, Deputy Health Officer, 565-4567
The 2009 H1N1 flu is the predominant flu virus (97%) circulating throughout the country, including Sonoma County. Pregnant women and young infants are among the groups considered at most risk for serious illness or even death from the 2009 H1N1 virus. To-date 8 of 57 hospitalizations in Sonoma County related to the 2009 H1N1 virus have involved pregnant women. For your information, the link to the most recent guidance from CDC for care to pregnant women is included below.
Public Health urges all providers to:
- Treat pregnant women with influenza-like illness as soon as possible; treatment should not be withheld pending results of testing for influenza, if testing is done.
- Register as a provider of 2009 H1N1 vaccine and order vaccine for your patients through the new state website at www.CalPanFlu.org.
- Encourage all your staff and patients to get the seasonal flu vaccine (available now).
- Encourage all your staff and high-risk patients to get the 2009 H1N1 vaccine as soon as it becomes available in mid-October (likely to require two doses three to four weeks apart).
- Promote basic flu prevention techniques that include staying home when ill, covering your cough, frequent hand-washing or use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers and discourage sharing of water bottles or other utensils.
CDC Guidance for Care to Pregnant Women
Here are links to two posters, available in English and Spanish that can be printed and displayed in your office.
More information about the 2009 H1N1 virus is available at:
www.sonoma-county.org/H1N1
www.cdph.ca.gov/HealthInfo/discond/Pages/SwineInfluenza.aspx
www.flu.gov
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