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Influenza in Pregnancy

Contributor: Amy Crockett                                                                                                                               
Last Update: 1/31/2017

Clinical Presentation:
Sudden onset of fever and one or more of the following: acute respiratory influenza-like illness (e.g., cough, sore throat, rhinorrhea), body aches, headache, fatigue, vomiting and diarrhea.

Treatment: most efficacious if started within 48 hours of onset of symptoms:
Oseltamivir (Tamiflu).  Cost is approximately $103 for 10 tablets.

Treatment: 75 mg tablet by mouth twice daily for 5 days.
Prophylaxis: 75 mg tablet by mouth once daily for 10 days, or until exposure risk is past.

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Vaccination for seasonal influenza is highly recommended for all pregnant women and all health care providers who will be caring for pregnant women during the flu season.
**Only inactivated (injectable) vaccines should be used for pregnant women**

Breastfeeding will protect infants flu.  All women delivering during flu season should be strongly encouraged to initiate breastfeeding, and minimize supplemental formula.
How to Obtain a Nasopharyngeal Specimen
1.Use orange culturette to obtain specimen. Use 2 culturettes: one for each nare.
2.Approximate length swab is to be inserted by measuring from the nose to the ear and half that distance is the length the swab should be inserted.
3.Introduce the swab flat and then push forward with gentle downward pressure on the lower nasal floor to the posterior wall of the nasopharynx.
4.Rotate the swab for a few seconds before withdrawing gently.
5.Place swab in the tube, bending the swab handle to fit inside the tube.

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