Woman Gave Birth Before Flu Death
A 39-year-old woman gave birth shortly before dying with swine flu, the BBC understands. Ruptara Miah died in London’s Whipps Cross Hospital on 13 July. Her baby is said to be very ill in intensive care. Meanwhile, a baby under six months old, who died in another London hospital, is also among the latest victims of swine flu in the UK.
Both are thought to have had underlying health conditions and were among the 29 deaths announced on Thursday. Ms Miah’s brother Abdul Malik said: “We are very, very upset as a family. It has really taken me by shock.” Ms Miah used a wheelchair after a road accident 15 years ago. Her brother said she was admitted to hospital three weeks ago with a cough and chest infection. He said his sister was treated in intensive care, where she gave birth to a son prematurely, but never regained full consciousness.
There has been a surge of infections recently with an estimated 55,000 cases in the past week alone. Doctors have criticized the government for not doing enough to reassure people. British Medical Association GP leader Dr Laurence Buckman said people were “scared stiff” when they did not need to be. Dr Buckman said swine flu for most was a nasty but relatively mild illness, however he said people were panicking and swamping doctors with calls.(BBC News, 17th July 2009).
The pregnant community of Bali and indeed the rest of the world has been thrown into a state of panic by this recent story from the UK that a pregnant woman has died of the virus and her baby has become critically ill. Another child under six months old, who died in London, is also among the latest victims of the virus.
The tragedy of death and illness is always so much more magnified when babies and pregnant woman are involved, and I think most people would agree that while we apparently do not have many cases of the Swine Flu here in Bali at present, that it is inevitable that we will follow in the footsteps of other countries that have statistics in pandemic proportions. Health experts say expectant mothers could suffer possible complications if they contract swine flu, such as pneumonia, breathing difficulties and dehydration, because they have suppressed immune systems. Young children are also vulnerable, however most expectant mothers and children who contract swine flu will only have mild symptoms and recover within a week.
Various health authorities have attempted to clarify their guidelines to expectant mothers and parents with children under five on how best to avoid swine flu.
The Australian Royal College Midwives and The Royal College of Obstetrics & Gynecology says that experience with the current disease pattern shows that in most cases, swine flu tends to be a mild respiratory disease. A few cases of severe illness among pregnant women and infants have been reported in the UK and other countries. These have mostly affected women with pre-existing health problems. They do recommend however that pregnant woman should avoid unnecessary exposure to crowded areas (airports, shopping centers, cinemas etc), although complete isolation at home would be regarded as extreme for most women.
We are also reminded to practice good hygiene by washing hands and surfaces regularly which is the most effective way to decrease transmission of any virus, Wearing masks is only recommended if you are suffering from cold or flu symptoms.
Most mothers-to-be with swine flu can be treated with the anti-viral drug “Tamiflu” and I am assured that there are adequate supplies of the drug on the Island. Pregnant women can also boost their immune systems by getting plenty of rest, taking plenty of fluids, maintaining their pregnancy vitamins and adding extra vitamin C and zinc. Echinacea is not recommended for pregnancy.
