Breastfeeding and the Flu

On Monday, we learned about the importance of breast milk and what it can do to prevent infections and diseases. Did you know that breast milk also provides protection against many respiratory diseases, including the flu (influenza)? Even if a mother has suspected or confirmed flu, she should still breastfeed her infant, while taking the necessary precautions to avoid spreading the flu to her child. The US Centers for Disease Control discusses more in the article below.

Influenza, or the flu, is a respiratory tract illness that is caused by the influenza virus. It most commonly infects the nose, throat, and lungs, causing a contagious respiratory illness. Though most times the flu is mild, it can lead to severe illness, even sometimes death. Pregnant women, young children, and older adults (those aged 65 years or older), are at higher risk for developing flu-related complications.

Is the flu transmitted via breast milk?

No, the flu cannot be spread via breast milk. The flu is primarily spread from person to person when someone coughs, sneezes, talks, or even sometimes when a person touches a surface or object that has the flu virus on it and then touches their own mouth or nose.

Should a mother continue to breastfeed if she has the flu or if she comes into contact with someone with the flu?

Yes, as we previously learned, breast milk contains antibodies and other immunological factors that can help protect an infant, is a recommended source of nutrition, and has many other benefits that carry on into adulthood. If a mother is too ill to breastfeed, it is encouraged that she pump her milk so that the infant can continue to receive breast milk. Before doing so, mothers should wash their hands with soap and warm water and follow the proper cleaning recommendations for a pump. Sometimes, breast milk supply decreases when a mother is sick, so additional lactation support from a lactation specialist to address concerns and reduce the possibility of developing a breast infection during this time is suggested.

What if a new born or infant has the flu? Can he or she continue to breastfeed?

Yes, when a child has the flu, the mother is encouraged to continue breastfeeding. Infants who are sick with the flu need to stay hydrated and breast milk is the best option for fluids. If the child is unable to breastfeed directly, breast milk can be given from a cup, syringe, or bottle.

Are there special considerations for mothers with the flu in peri- and postpartum healthcare settings?

Newborns who have the flu are at an increased risk for severe complications, including death. The USCDC has specific recommendations for mothers who have the flu and their newborns in hospital settings at time of birth. Visit the CDC’s Guidance for the Prevention and Control of Influenza in the Peri- and Postpartum Settings webpage for more information.

If breastfeeding is interrupted due to separation of mother and child, the mother should be encouraged to regularly express her milk so that the child can continue to receive breast milk. A breastfeeding mother who has the flu may need a hospital-grade pump and additional lactation support while in the hospital and after discharge to maintain her milk supply and reduce the possibility of developing a breast infection. Expressed breast milk should be fed to the infant by a healthy caregiver who does not have the flu, if possible.

How can a breastfeeding mother who has the flu protect her child from getting sick?

Since children younger than 6 months of age are unable to receive vaccinations against the flu, it is particularly important that certain precautions be taken to avoid spreading the flu to the infant. Mothers with the flu should thoroughly wash and dry their hands with soap and water before touching the child or anything the child will touch and anytime she sneezes or coughs on her hands.

How can caregivers prevent transmitting the flu to infants?

• Get vaccinated. Parents, siblings, caregivers, and other household members aged 6 months and older should get an annual flu vaccination.

• Avoid close contact with sick people, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when sneezing or coughing and throw the tissue away immediately after use, wash your hands properly, and disinfect surfaces.

• As we learned, infants who breastfeed are less vulnerable to infections. Continue breastfeeding, even if the mother is ill, in order to help protect the infant from the flu.

Is the flu vaccine safe for breastfeeding mothers and their infants?

Yes, the flu vaccine is safe for breastfeeding women and their infants aged 6 months or older. Women who get vaccinated while pregnant or breastfeeding develop antibodies against the flu that they can pass along to their infants through their breast milk.

Are flu medications safe to use while mothers are breastfeeding or providing breast milk to their infants?

Yes, while existing evidence on the impact of flu antiviral medications during breastfeeding is limited, the USCDC recommends that postpartum women with suspected or confirmed flu be treated with medications since they are at high risk of flu complications.

For women with the flu who are breastfeeding, a handful of prescription medications are recommended. Contact your healthcare provider to know which medicines may be right for you.

References

[1] United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC). Breastfeeding. Influenza. Updated on 2 Dec 2019. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-special-circumstances/maternal-or-infant-illnesses.

The Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at Beijing United Family Hospital (BJU) is dedicated to providing you with evidence-based, high-quality care. We offer a full range of obstetric and gynecological services and are here to answer any questions you may have regarding your health and the health of your child. Our internationally trained staff provides a complete range of healthcare services for women, including routine care and check-ups. We offer a full range of outpatient and inpatient consultations and procedures for pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal care. If you have questions about the flu or about getting vaccinated while pregnant, call our Service Center at 13810508249 to speak to a member of our staff today.