In June, there were reports that the H1N1 virus, also known as swine flu, was especially dangerous for pregnant women. The concern is not that pregnant women are more likely to contract this particular strain of the flu, but rather that they are more likely than the average person to have serious complications should they contract H1N1. As a result of this phenomenon, there is a need to vaccinate pregnant women. However, now that the vaccine is soon to be available, there are questions about whether it is safe for pregnant women.
There is a lot going around on the news about the worldwide “outbreak” of a new influenza A virus known officially as H1N1 and colloquially as the “swine flu.” Even here in BC, the news is reporting that there are outbreaks occurring at some private schools. With all this information, it can be difficult to separate rumour from fact. The following is summarized from the World Health Organization(WHO) website.