Well, this isn't good news. Pregnant Mothers are at risk and they're recommending vaccination. Unfortunately, I'll assume the lawsuits from some vaccinated mothers for every conceivable birth defect will likely follow next year.
Swine flu virus has claimed the lives of two Bay Area women who recently gave birth, adding to the growing body of evidence that pregnancy puts women at increased risk of flu-related hospitalization and death.
News of the deaths comes as the federal Centers for Disease Control recommends that pregnant women be among the first to receive a vaccine, when available. The CDC also urges that anti-viral drugs like Tamiflu or Relenza be quickly administered to pregnant women with suspected influenza.
Pregnancy changes both the lung capacity and immunology of women, making it harder for them to fend off respiratory infections. But while health officials are urging quicker response, they say that vigilance and common sense can reduce the risk of infection.
"The most important thing is hand hygiene: soap and water, or alcohol-based products," said Dr. Steven Parodi, regional chief of infectious disease with Kaiser Permanente, which was not involved in either death.
In Marin County, 33-year-old Jamie Norman was hospitalized in June with flu symptoms and gave birth to her son nearly two months early. She was able to hold Jack, her first child, but died on June 30.
swine flu?
just another consequence of global warming, :)
Posted by: mark l. | Friday, July 31, 2009 at 12:59 AM
We're such idiots sometimes.
Mark, this is the same virus (H1N1) that killed millions during the early 20th century. That's why people are so worried about it.
I blame Rush and the Republican leadership for not understanding this issue...
Posted by: John Eden | Friday, July 31, 2009 at 03:57 AM
just a matter of time before someone tries to link increased temps with survivability of a virus.
patience.
you just linked republican leadership to it, hopefully in sarcasm, as I thought my previous ":)" would denote.
Posted by: mark l. | Friday, July 31, 2009 at 04:21 AM
two other bizarre lefty features of a pending vaccine...
1)when bush went for an anthrax(or smallpox?) vaccine, he requested immmunity for the makers of it. dems opposed. curious to see what the dems want to do with it now. some argument to be made for the risk v. reward, as small pox has been eradicated, and h1n1 is 'recurring'.
2)the autism caused by vaccine argument. guess it would be difficult to make the argument about smallpox, as the rates of autism have 'increased' even since we stopped vaccinating in '72(?).
I'll decline the h1n1 vaccine, when it comes around. No word, yet, if obama will fine me. Have fun in school, kiddies.
Posted by: mark l. | Friday, July 31, 2009 at 05:01 AM