CDC continues it’s ambiguous contradictions with it’s advice on the use of Tamiflu for Pregnant women… this is from the CDC site with my comments added…
CDC H1N1 Flu
Pregnant Women and Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Considerations for Clinicians
May 7, 2009Human infections with a novel influenza A (H1N1) virus that is easily transmissible among humans were first identified in April 2009. The epidemiology and clinical presentations of these infections are currently under investigation. There are insufficient data available at this point to determine who at higher risk for complications of novel influenza A (H1N1) virus infection. However, it’s reasonable to assume that the same age and risk groups who are at higher risk for seasonal influenza complications also should be considered at higher risk for novel influenza A (H1N1) complications.
“Insufficient DATA” but “REASONABLE to ASSUME”… Evidence from fear-mongering statistics…
Evidence that influenza can be more severe in pregnant women comes from observations during previous pandemics and from studies among pregnant women who had seasonal influenza. An excess of influenza-associated excess deaths among pregnant women were reported during the pandemics of 1918–1919 and 1957–1958. Adverse pregnancy outcomes have been reported following previous influenza pandemics, with increased rates of spontaneous abortion and preterm birth reported, especially among women with pneumonia.
CDC says if you are pregnant and possibly infected you should use “their” prescribed anti-virals…right away!
The currently circulating novel influenza A (H1N1) virus is sensitive to the neuraminidase inhibitor antiviral medications zanamivir (Relenza®) and oseltamivir (Tamiflu®), but is resistant to the adamantane antiviral medications, amantadine (Symmetrel®) and rimantadine (Flumadine®). Pregnant women who meet current case-definitions for confirmed, probable or suspected novel influenza A (H1N1) infection should receive empiric antiviral treatment. Pregnant women who are close contacts with persons with suspected, probable or confirmed cases of novel influenza A (H1N1) should receive chemoprophylaxis.
As is recommended for other persons who are treated, antiviral treatment with zanamivir or oseltamivir (READ TAMIFLU) should be initiated as soon as possible after the onset of influenza symptoms, with benefits expected to be greatest if started within 48 hours of onset, based on data from studies of seasonal influenza.
CDC believes pregnant women “might” be at higer risk from the Virus than from the “theoretical” complications from the untested antviral drugs… TAMIFLU “should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the embryo or fetus”…
Pregnancy should not be considered a contraindication to oseltamivir or zanamivir use. Pregnant women might be at higher risk for severe complications from novel influenza A (H1N1), and the benefits of treatment or chemoprophylaxis with zanamivir or oseltamivir likely outweigh the theoretical risks of antiviral use. Oseltamivir and zanamivir are “Pregnancy Category C” medications, indicating that no clinical studies have been conducted to assess the safety of these medications for pregnant women. Because of the unknown effects of influenza antiviral drugs on pregnant women and their fetuses, oseltamivir or zanamivir should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the embryo or fetus. Although a few adverse effects have been reported in pregnant women who took these medications, no relation between the use of these medications and those adverse events has been established. Because of its systemic activity, oseltamivir (READ TAMIFLU) is preferred for treatment of pregnant women. The drug of choice for prophylaxis is less clear. Zanamivir may be preferable because of its limited systemic absorption; however, respiratory complications that may be associated with zanamivir because of its inhaled route of administration need to be considered, especially in women at risk for respiratory problems.
CDC H1N1 Flu | Pregnant Women and Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Considerations for Clinicians.
Got That? … CDC says Use Tamiflu because it MIGHT work and though we HAVE NOT Tested It … the Negative reactions reported DO NOT COUNT!… joe
Do your own homework when deciding if it is “wise” to listen to “WHO” or the “CDC”…
Start here…
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