Information for Pregnant Women Working in Education, Child Care, and Health Care Settings Concerning 2009 H1N1 Influenza Virus

November 9, 2009, 6:30 PM ET

Recommendations for workplace infection control and prevention strategies related to pregnant women who work in education, child care and healthcare can be found at the following websites:

• CDC Guidance for State and Local Public Health Officials and School Administrators for School (K-12) Responses to Influenza during the 2009-2010 School Year
• CDC Guidance on Helping Child Care and Early Childhood Programs Respond to Influenza during the 2009-2010 Influenza Season
• Interim Guidance on Infection Control Measures for 2009 H1N1 Influenza in Healthcare Settings, Including Protection of Healthcare Personnel
• What Should Pregnant Women Know About 2009 H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)?
• Interim Guidance for 2009 H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu): Taking Care of a Sick Person in Your Home

All 2009 H1N1 guidance is interim and subject to review and revision as more is learned about this novel influenza virus. This guidance may be revised in the event that the 2009 H1N1 pandemic increases in severity compared with the situation in spring/summer 2009.

The key message for employers and employees in work settings where pregnant employees are likely to be exposed to 2009 H1N1 is to take every precaution to prevent infection. Recommended strategies to decrease the likelihood of employee exposure to 2009 H1N1 influenza virus include implementation of infection control strategies in the work place and work policies that support sick employees being away from the workplace. Implementation of employee education about influenza symptoms will support early self-recognition of possible illness and may help decrease overall exposure to the virus in the workplace.

Pregnant employees can also take steps to prevent both exposure and illness. Vaccination is the single best way to prevent influenza illness. As soon as possible, all pregnant women should get both 2009 H1N1 and seasonal flu shots. In addition, everyday precautions such as hand washing and covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and encouraging others to do so, are important ways to stay healthy and to not spread germs that cause illness. Finally, pregnant women who have signs or symptoms of influenza-like illness need to call their healthcare provider right away, because they may require prompt treatment with antiviral medications.

http://www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu/pregnancy/antiviral_pregnant_qa.htm

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