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