Why is it so important for pregnant women to seek medical attention if they have flu-like symptoms?
Antiviral treatment is most effective if it is administered within 48 hours of the onset of flu-like symptoms. Antivirals help to lessen the severity of the symptoms and the length of illness. While there is still some uncertainty of the effects of antivirals on illness associated with the influenza A H1N1 virus it is assumed the earlier a pregnant woman seeks treatment, the less severe her illness will be, and the less likely she will suffer complications.
