A Retrospective Study of Seasonal Influenza (H1N1 – Swine Flu) in Antenatal and Postnatal Mothers in a Tertiary Care Centre in Gujarat, Ahmedabad, India

Abstract

Seasonal influenza is among the most frightening and potentially cataclysmic threats to pregnant and postnatal women. They are a vulnerable population owing to the multiple physiologic changes that occur during pregnancy. A hospital based retrospective observational study was done. Statistical data was obtained from prior Swine flu records for the period of 2017 to 2018 and analysed. It was observed that, there were 97 women in the reproductive age group (15-49 years) who were suspected of seasonal influenza (H1N1) and of these women, 37 women were confirmed seasonal influenza H1N1 positive by RT-PCR technique. 9 women in this study group were pregnant and their cases were studied. We observed pregnant women constituted 1/4 th of women of reproductive age group of which 50% were young primigravida who succumbed to the infection. The likelihood of flu related morbidity and mortality were high especially during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. There was 44% fetal demise in H1N1 positive mothers. Thus we concluded that antenatal and postnatal mothers are a very high risk, vulnerable population for seasonal influenza. In pregnancy, it is associated with increased feto-maternal morbidity and mortality. Primary prevention, early prophylaxis and adequate treatment with antivirals, vaccine use and health care planning are mandatory to manage cases of seasonal influenza (Swine Flu H1N1) in pregnant mothers.