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Advice for parents and pregnant women

The vast majority of swine flu cases are mild, with symptoms similar to seasonal flu. Only in a small number of cases have people had more serious symptoms but a number of these have been pregnant women and children.

How do I tell if my child has swine flu?

It is important to be able to recognise the symptoms of swine flu and know what to do if you think that you or someone in your family might have it.

One thing you can do right now is to make sure you have a thermometer to take your child’s temperature. If they have a temperature of 38° C or above and they have any two of the following symptoms, then you should call your GP straight away. The symptoms are:

  • tiredness
  • headache
  • runny nose and sneezing
  • sore throat
  • shortness of breath
  • loss of appetite
  • vomiting and diarrhoea
  • aching muscles, limb and joint pain

If your child is less than one year old and you think they might have swine flu, call your GP immediately.

If my child has swine flu, what should I do?

If your GP confirms that your child has swine flu, they should stay at home and you should treat their symptoms like any other cold or flu. Make sure they drink plenty of liquids, get lots of rest and take paracetamol to help control their temperature.

Your GP will tell you whether your child should also take antiviral drugs. Antivirals, such as Tamiflu, shorten the symptoms by about a day and can reduce the risk of complications.

However, they can also have side effects. If your child’s swine flu symptoms are mild, you may not wish to give them antivirals. Your GP can advise you on this and prescribe if necessary.

How do I get antiviral drugs for my child?

You or a friend or relative who does not have swine flu should take the prescription prescribed by your GP to the community pharmacist as usual.

I am pregnant, am I at higher risk?

While most pregnant women with swine flu will only have mild symptoms there is a higher risk of developing complications. If you are pregnant and think you may have swine flu, stay at home and call your GP.

Pregnant women with swine flu may be given an antiviral drug called Relenza. Relenza is taken through an inhaler rather than a tablet. This means it builds up in your throat and lungs but not in your blood or placenta and should not affect your baby.

Can I breastfeed if I’m taking antiviral drugs?

Yes. It is safe for to take Tamiflu or Relenza while you are breastfeeding your baby. If you or your baby are too ill to breastfeed use expressed milk if you can.

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