Dealing with pandemic influenza A during postpartum and early neonatal period in a busy family-centered neonatal intensive care unit

Abstract

Although most infections with the current pandemic H1N1 virus have been self-limited, the risk of influenza complications is higher in some subpopulations. Pregnant women had an increased risk of influenza complications in two past epidemics (1918–1919 and 1957–1958). Since neonates do not have a well-developed immune system, they are also vulnerable to viral infections and its complications. This article reports the interventions and health care planning strategies for pandemic influenza A, and its seasonal results in a tertiary perinatal care center with annually 20,000 deliveries.

Keywords:

• H1N1
• newborn
• neonatal intensive care unit
• pregnancy
• strategy

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.