Obstetrics / Pregnancy

Updated Visitor Information During Flu Season

As the flu season begins and progresses, we may alter our visiting hours to protect our patients. If you have questions about visitor policies, contact the hospital prior to your visit.

For Patients

If you are pregnant and you think you may have influenza, call your physician. We do not recommend that you go to the physician's office, as this may increase the risk of transmission of influenza to other pregnant patients. Your doctor will advise you whether you should start antiviral medication, go to the Prentice Obstetrics Triage office, go to the Emergency Department or take other actions.

Remember, the main symptoms of influenza are:

• Fever of 100 degrees fahrenheit or more, plus
• Cough or sore throat

However, other symptoms that may be common include headache and bodyaches, diarrhea and vomiting. Always contact your physician if you are concerned about your health.

• Information for Pregnant Women about Influenza
• Protecting Mothers with Influenza and Their Infants and Families (pdf) 

For Physicians 

• Overview of Approach to ILI at Prentice (doc) 
• Obstetrics Algorithm for Staff to Screen Patients for Influenza-like-illness (from CDC) (pdf) 
• Updated Interim Recommendations for Obstetric Health Care Providers Related to Use of Antiviral Medications in the Treatment and Prevention of Influenza for the 2009-2010 Season (from CDC) 
• Prentice Influenza Clinical Triage Protocol (pdf) 
• Prentice Labor and Delivery ILI Protocol (pdf) 
• Protecting Mothers with Influenza and Their Infants and Families (pdf)  
• Prentice ILI Antepartum Protocol (pdf) 
• Prentice Post Partum Protocol (doc) 
• ICU Protocol (doc) 
• Influenza Flier - Prentice (pdf) 

Useful Links

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention influenza resources

Interactive US flu map to track cases/hospitalizations