Swine flu is an infection caused by a virus. It's named for a virus that pigs can get. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. The virus is contagious and can spread from human to human. Symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.  Some people have also reported having diarrhea and/or vomiting.  This strain of flu has been particularly hard on pregnant women and children.

Please go to the links below to get more information from reliable sources:
www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance/pregnant.htm
www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/pregnant_qa.htm

Alliance will offer the vaccine for the H1N1 flu to high risk individuals as soon as it becomes available.  You should have the seasonal flu vaccine as this vaccine does not afford protection against the H1N1 flu but will protect against the seasonal flu.  Alliance is currently offering the seasonal flu vaccine to pregnant patients and high risk individuals.  All other patients are encouraged to seek the vaccine from their primary care physicians.

If you are pregnant, please read below recommendations from the physicians at Alliance:

ALLIANCE OB-GYN

FLU INFO FOR PREGNANT LADIES

• Influenza can be more serious in pregnancy than when you are not pregnant

• Flu vaccine has been used for many years in pregnancy and appears safe – WE RECOMMEND YOU GET VACCINATED!

• This year there are 2 vaccines available
  •  Seasonal (usual) flu – available NOW
  •  H1N1 (Swine) flu – available in October

• Frequent handwashing or use of gel is an excellent preventive measure

• If you develop symptoms of flu you should be treated with anti-viral medication AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE
  • Fever over 100 degrees, plus either a cough or a sore throat, is presumed to be flu
  • Get a thermometer – we need to know what your temperature is when you call us
  • Please STAY AT HOME if you develop symptoms – DO NOT come to the office for appointments
  • Please call and speak with our phone nurses during the week. Over the weekend, or holidays, please call the answering service