Influenza A/H1N1 2009 in Pregnancy- Experience in Tamilnadu, India

Infection with influenza A/H1N1 2009 has been reported worldwide following initial identification of the virus in April 2009. The groups at highest risk for infection and influenza-related complications include pregnant women and children. We have analyzed H1N1 2009 positives among pregnant women in Tamilnadu during and after the outbreak. After initial reports of infection in pregnant women, we began systematically collecting additional information about pregnant women with H1N1 2009 virus infection as part of enhanced surveillance. A total of 126 antenatal women were screened during this period, of this 27 (21.4%) were positive for H1N1 2009 and 14 (11.1%) were positive for Seasonal flu (12 A/H3 and 2 Flu B). Fifteen of the H1N1 2009 positive women had crossed 29 weeks of gestation. It was the 18–30 age group which was highly affected by both H1N1 2009 and seasonal Flu. Among the non pregnant women population, 206 (2.7%) patients were H1N1 2009 positive and 106 (1.4%) were positive for seasonal Flu. It was observed that pregnant women were at increased risk for acquiring H1N1 2009 infection than the non pregnant population. These data lend support to the present recommendation to promptly treat pregnant women with antiinfluenza drugs and to initiate vaccination.