Nov. 4--The Howard County Health Department has made vaccinating pregnant women a priority for the H1N1 flu.

Karen Lopke, coordinator for the department, said as the injectable vaccine becomes available, it is being delivered to obstetrics and gynecology physicians on a weekly basis.

"You have two lives involved," Lopke said. "One immunization is doing double-duty."

She said the H1N1 flu is causing breathing problems and is affecting the lungs more than other parts of the body.

Lopke said the H1N1 virus is damaging lung tissue, which makes patients more susceptible to a secondary infection.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported last week that of the 45 H1N1 deaths reported from April 15 to June 16, six were among pregnant women.

Of the 266 H1N1 deaths reported through October, 15 were among pregnant women.

A concern is that during pregnancy as a fetus develops, the uterus grows and pushes the diaphragm up, leaving less room for the lungs. Pregnancy also affects the body's ability to fight off an illness, according to the CDC.

Dr. Robert Kinsey with the Community OB/GYN Center, said pregnant women are always more at risk of developing complications from the flu. He said pregnancy stresses the body more and the flu can lead to complications, like pneumonia and respiratory problems.

He said it doesn't appear the virus is being transferred from the mother to baby.

The H1N1 flu spreads easily and there is little immunity to the virus among young people, according to Kinsey. He said older patients were exposed to a similar strain in 1918.

Kinsey said the best defense for a pregnant woman is to receive both the H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccine.

He said if a patient is diagnosed within the first 48 hours of contracting the H1N1 virus, an antiviral medication like Tamiflu is being prescribed.

"I've experienced no problems with Tamiflu in pregnant patients," Kinsey said.

Kinsey said patients with mild cases are encouraged not to go the hospital or doctor's office for treatment.

Patients experiencing shortness of breath, chest pains, dizziness or confusion and persistent vomiting should see a physician for supportive care, he said.

"Most people will experience just a bad case of the flu," Kinsey said. "But the number of deaths is causing a concern.

"The key for a pregnant women is to be vaccinated," he said. "It will give them protection."

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