According to domestic and international epidemic data, pregnant women are at high-risk for pandemic influenza A (H1N1) infection.Therefore, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) invited the President of the Taiwan Association of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Horng-Der Tsai, to attend a press conference to talk about ways pregnant women can take to prevent pandemic influenza A (H1N1) and explain how obstetricians and gynecologists in the nation collaborate with the government to provide pregnant women with the best possible treatment in order to prevent pandemic influenza A (H1N1) effectively.

Dr. Tsai indicated that pregnant women are at increased risk for complications from pandemic influenza A (H1N1).Therefore, pregnant women should pay particular attention to their health during influenza seasons and take the necessary preventive measures such as washing hands frequently, practicing respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette, avoiding contacts with people with influenza-like symptoms, and avoiding visiting crowded places during outbreaks.If symptoms such as fever and cough develop, please seek immediate medical attention.In addition, family members and friends of pregnant women should also help protect the pregnant women from becoming infected with pandemic influenza A (H1N1).“Guidance for Pregnant Women to Prevent Pandemic influenza A (H1N1)” formulated by CECC is available for reference on the CECC website (http://www.h1n1.gov.tw).

On the other hand, the Taiwan Association of Obstetrics and Gynecology urges obstetricians and gynecologists to increase their vigilance for diagnosing influenza and administer prompt treatment to pregnant women with influenza-like symptoms.“Clinician Guidance for Treating Pandemic influenza A (H1N1)” is available for reference on the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control website (http://www.cdc.gov.tw).

CECC announced the latest pandemic influenza A (H1N1) epidemic update in Taiwan. Currently, 49 cases of pandemic influenza A (H1N1) infection are hospitalized for treatment.A cumulative total of 145 inpatient cases of pandemic influenza A (H1N1) infection have been reported and 7 have died.