DD may or may not have Swine Flu...

[Where there's hope]

DD was diagnosed with a heavy flu today. The GP could not say if it was Swine Flu or not. She did not do a swine-flu swab as it takes 48 hours to get the results. Instead, she prescribed Tamiflu straight up as it needs to be given within 48 hours of symptoms (which actually commenced on Monday night). So we do not know one way or the other.

I have since been in contact with my OB. He says if it IS swine flu I must commence Tamiflu tablets straight away. But my GP does not know. And as you probably know, taking Tamiflu is not classified at safe in pregnancy yet (I think it might be Category C), though it should absolutely be taken when Swine Flu is diagnosed.

So what do I do? I have no symptoms at all, as of yet. I was advised by the pharmacist that DD will be very contageous if it is Swine Flu until her course is finished in five days time...

Any thoughts? What would you do?

Thanx, WTH

PS: My GP is very heavily booked, so I would have to leave a request to collect the Tamiflu, rather than get the opportunity for another appointment.
PPS: Should DH take the Tamiflu, too?

[chappas]

WTH - Here in the uk there is a drug called Relenza that is safe to take in pregnancy for swine flu. Can your doctor prescribe this instead.

[grub17]

hi wth,
that's no good about your little one.

i was in the same boat at 20weeks preg and was told they wouldn't test but i had a great than 50% chance of having SF. SO i was put on tamiflu for a week. My DH tho, who also got sick, was not treated with tamiflu - just over the counter medicine. that's because he's young and healthy and could fight it himself whereas preggy ladies are compromised and at greater risk of complications.

i really had no choice as i didn't want to risk the terrible consquences, however, since taking tamiflu i feel fabulous. it knocked the flu on teh head (took a few days tho) and ever since then it's the best i've felt all pregnancy... my dh's flu is STILL lingering a month later.

i am still nervous about the impact of tamiflu on the bub but am comfortable i made the right decision for me.

not sure if that helps you, but good luck with your decision.

[chepie]

Morning,

My DH and little man both had the Swine Flu at the same time!!! WE all went to the DR to get checked out and was told by our GP that Yes DH can have Tamiflu, Aiden no -because of the side effects (night terrors and hullunications) and DH no as he thought he was ok.... well unless I show symptoms NO!!!! Aiden was really sick for a week - nasty cough, high temps 40 + (cough is apparently one of the major signs of Swine) and then he was better... But DH became so very sick that he went back to the GP and demanded that he get tested as he was scared that I would get it!! He returned a postive and had 3 weeks of work (unheard off!!) and is still just getting better

Some how I by-passed it all!!!

Not to freak you out by my post .... but it so confussing and frustrating to get anything done!!! If you start to get sick withing 48-72 hours I would just go straight to the hospital.... Thats the best advice I can give...

GL and I really hope that you don't get it xxx

[Where there's hope]

Thank you everyone for your replies - really appreciate your POV's.

Had a very looooooong night up with DD. Temperature stayed high, despite the nurofen and she was having bad dreams coupled with a stomach ache (I think these are side fx of Tamiflu).

Chappas - yes, we have Relenza here and I have heard it is a better choice for PG. DD was actually prescribed this first, but she found the applicator too hard to manage (chose to blow instead of suck).

Grub - I remember you from the 2ww thread I actually looked up some of your previous posts last night and was sorry to read you had suffered from SF. Glad you are doing better now. I would definitely take Tamiflu if I was showing symptoms. ATM I am just feeling tired and dizzy, probably from lack of sleep.

Chepie - your post was also really helpful. I am amazed you did not get SF. DD had some bad dreams last night so it is a good thing Aiden was spared those.

AFM - have managed to squeeze in with another GP at 11am so at least now I can maybe get a swab done for DD (if it works after treatment has commenced) and ask if I should be given something.

Again, thanks for being there... x

[Where there's hope]

Thought I would post the outcome in case anyone in a similar situation references this page in the future.

DD was not able to have a Swine Flu swab test performed, as she had already commenced the Tamiflu. It was agreed I should go on Relenza as a precautionary measure. Meanwhile DD is still out of sorts, but improving. We all got a little more shuteye last night

DD had been challenged with her initial prescription of Relenza, which is why she was switched to Tamiflu. She could not get the hang of the puffer. Now I am embarrassed to say I don't think I am doing an entirely good job of it either. I even watched the video on the Relenza website. But somehow, despite my best conscious efforts, more seems to go on my tongue, than down into my lungs where it should go The good news is that I still do not have a fever and I think we may be getting past DD's most infectious stage

[chappas]

WTH - Hope your DD feels much better soon poor thing, glad you got something sorted too. Take care

[MeredithD]

WTH - Only just found this post. So sorry to hear your DD was so sick and what a hhorrible scare for you and bub as well. I think taking the Rilenza would be my best compromise too. YOu are doing something but not putting bubs at risk.
Hope everything settles very soon

[chepie]

Glad to hear that things are on the mend..... You must be so tired from looking after a sick household and the stress of it all (I know I was)... sorry to hear about DD and the bad dreams.... But I am happy that you by-passed it too!!!!

All the best with your next arrival

Kez xxx

[megsmum]

WTH - I'm with Meredith, I only just found this post too. FWIW I would have done the same as you, you don't want to risk yours or bubs health at this stage of the pg. Sounds like you have had a terrible time with DD being so sick I'm so happy she is on the mend Hope you are feeling better too.

[Where there's hope]

Chappas, Meredith, Chepie and Megsmum Thanks for checking in on me. It has been a rough week or two. DD has finished her Tamiflu and seems to be over the worst of it, though she still maintains a mild temperature and now has general cold symptoms. But she is a much happier chickpea which makes life a lot easier. I continue to suffer with a post-viral cough. The pain in my chest has graduated also to my back. It hurts like crazy to cough (which I still need to do) and breathe deeply. Coupled with the return of my sciatica I am pretty miserable. The combination really complicate bedrest. Last night it hurt to lay down or roll over, so I had to sleep pretty much sitting up I did read Relenza can cause shortness of breath and wheezing, so am wondering if it has maybe made things a bit worse. Took my last dose this morning, so will find out soon enough. We'll get there...

Thanx again everyone x

[kawazuki]

well i ahd swine flu tested positive, took the tamiflu feel great now

hubby didnt catch it even though we shared fooda dn drinka dn that while i was sick just thought it was a throat infection adn bronchitis.
DD never got it adn neither did DS.

glad your little one is on the mend.