Pregnant woman is in hospital with swine flu

The mum-to-be is reported to have gone to the maternity unit at Crosshouse Hospital, near Kilmarnock, after feeling unwell and tests later confirmed she has the H1N1 virus.

She is said to be six months pregnant and in a "bad way", according to one insider, who added: "She and her baby are at risk. Her family are devastated.

"And there is a panic because she has been in contact with other pregnant women and staff since she came into hospital.

"All staff have now been issued with masks."

Last night, as the woman's condition became known, the government sought to tone down fears over pregnancy and swine flu after reports suggesting women should postpone conception until the pandemic has passed.

It was also claimed that pregnant women should avoid travel and crowded places to cut their chances of infection, advice later clarified by the Department of Health in England.

It is acknowledged that expectant mothers, especially in the later stages of pregnancy, are more susceptible to infections because their immune systems are lowered.

Concerns were heightened after a 39-year-old woman with swine flu died last week in London shortly after giving birth prematurely.

In June, Glasgow woman Jacqueline Fleming became the first in the UK to die with the virus, shortly after giving birth prematurely to her son Jack, who died just two days after his mum.

The National Childbirth Trust this weekend warned that women should consider postponing pregnancy until after the flu pandemic passes.

The Department of Health said last night this advice was based on guidance drawn up in response to a potential outbreak of bird flu, which is considered more dangerous than swine flu.

Home Secretary Alan Johnson - Health Secretary during the early stages of the swine flu outbreak - said yesterday that the National Childbirth Trust's advice was an "over-reaction" and would-be mothers should follow "common sense" precautions like all members of the public.

A spokeswoman for the Department of Health later said pregnant women, if still concerned, could avoid crowded places and limit travel as a way of limiting exposure to the virus.

But she stressed that the UK Government was not saying that pregnant women should not travel or mix in busy areas.

She also reiterated reassurances about the potential effects of the virus, stating: "While most pregnant women with swine flu will only have mild symptoms, like most other people, there is a higher risk of developing complications. If you are pregnant and think you may have swine flu, call your GP."

The National Childbirth Trust said last night that it would update the advice on its website. REVEALED: Expert tips on how to cut risk

What is swine flu? Swine flu is a respiratory disease, caused by a strain of the influenza type A virus known as H1N1. The virus has made the jump from pigs to humans and is now passing easily from person to person. Swine flu is transmitted in the same way as other types of flu, through coughing, sneezing and touching contaminated surfaces.

What does a pandemic mean?

A disease is classed as a pandemic when it becomes a worldwide epidemic. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), this means the virus is spreading in the community in two or more counties in one region of the world, and at least one country in another region of the world. A pandemic signifies phase 6 - the highest level of threat.

What are the symptoms of swine flu?

Around 140 people have died so far from swine flu but the illness is mostly causing mild symptoms at present. Some health experts believe the virus could mutate and become more deadly as the UK moves into winter. Symptoms of swine flu include fever and flu-like symptoms such as a cough, sore throat, limb or joint aches and pains, and headaches. Some people have reported suffering from vomiting and diarrhoea.

What steps can I take to prevent catching swine flu?

People can reduce their risk and help slow the spread of the virus. People should wash their hands regularly and catch coughs and sneezes in tissues which should then be promptly thrown away. The flu virus can linger on all types of surfaces for up to 24 hours and is easily transferred via the fingers to the mouth, nose or eyes.

Which groups of people are most at risk from swine flu?

Seasonal winter flu usually strikes the elderly and very young but current indications are that swine flu is targeting people of working age. The suggestion is that older people may have some immunity to this type of flu from when they were younger. Groups at risk of complications include people on immunosuppressants, those with asthma or a chest disease and diabetics.

What treatments are there?

Flu viruses have the ability to mutate, which makes it difficult to predict what will happen. However, testing has shown that H1N1 can be treated with the antiviral drugs Tamiflu and Relenza, which comes in the form of an inhaler. These drugs are not a "cure" for swine flu but can help reduce symptoms and cut the length of time somebody is ill. The UK has enough Tamiflu to cover half of the population but orders are in place for 50million doses enough to cover 80% of the population. Pharmaceutical companies are working on a swine flu vaccine which will not be available until the end of the year.