Swine flu and caring for your baby
Your tiny baby is vulnerable to swine flu (and ordinary flu) because his immune system isn’t yet strong enough to fight off germs. So how can you best protect him, especially if you become sick with swine flu yourself?
How can I protect my baby from swine flu?
One of the best and easiest things you can do to protect your baby from swine flu and a host of other infections, is to observe simple hygiene measures when caring for him. Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and hot water (it’s not necessary to use antibacterial soap but be sure to rub ordinary soap well into your fingers and nails). If this isn’t possible – for example, when you’re out and about – use an alcohol-based hand sanitizing gel.
Avoiding busy places during an outbreak of swine flu is essential, as is avoiding contact with other people who are ill. If you are ill, arrange for another family member to carry out your baby’s day to day care if at all possible. If you can’t do this, it is vital that you don’t cough or sneeze over your baby when feeding him or carrying out general babycare, such as diaper changes and baths. A good precaution is to wear a facemask, which you can purchase at pharmacies, or online.
If you need to cough or sneeze, do so into a tissue or your sleeve if you don’t have a tissue. Avoid coughing into your hand, as you can easily spread the germs to hard surfaces in your home and this could put other family members and older children at risk of catching swine flu.
Can I breastfeed my baby if I have swine flu?
Infants are thought to be at higher risk for severe illness from swine flu but the risk of passing the virus on in
breast milk is thought to be very low. It is safe to continue breastfeeding if you are taking antiviral medications to treat swine flu.
However, it is important that you take care not to pass the virus on by breathing, coughing or sneezing on your baby when he is nursing. Consider
expressing your breast milk with a breast pump so that another family member can feed it to him in a bottle if you are ill. Otherwise, be sure to wear a facemask when you breastfeed or bottlefeed your baby and wash your hands before you touch him or hold the bottle. If you should touch your nose or mouth during a feed, try to avoid touching your baby until you can wash your hands.
Will breastfeeding protect my baby from swine flu?
Since the swine flu is a new virus, it isn’t yet known if breastfeeding can offer protection but in general breastfeeding does help to protect your baby’s health because your antibodies pass into him via your breast milk, giving his immune system a vital boost. Flu can be very serious in young babies and there is evidence that babies who aren’t breastfed get sick from infections like the flu more often and more severely than babies who are breastfed.
Should I stop breastfeeding my baby if I am exposed to swine flu?
No. Because your body produces antibodies to fight diseases it comes in contact with, your breast milk is custom-made to fight the diseases your baby is exposed to as well. It’s an important safeguard in newborns and young babies, as their immune system is underdeveloped.
However, it is a good precaution to arrange for someone else to give your baby your expressed breast milk if you are ill, to better protect her and also because your own illness will leave you feeling exhausted and unwell.
Is it OK to breastfeed if I am taking flu antivirals?
Yes. Mothers who are breastfeeding and taking medicine to treat flu because they are sick should express their breast milk for bottle feedings, which can be given to your baby by someone who is not sick. If you are breastfeeding and are taking medicines to prevent the flu because you have been exposed to the virus, continue to feed your baby at the breast as long as you do not have symptoms of the flu such as fever, cough, or sore throat. If symptoms develop, try to arrange for someone else to feed your baby expressed breast milk, or wear a facemask during feeds if there is no one who can help.
If you are taking over-the-counter medications to treat flu symptoms such as fever, a cough and a runny nose, check with your midwife or OB-GYN, or pharmacist, to ensure that these are considered safe while breastfeeding.
Is it OK to breastfeed my baby if he has swine flu?
Yes. One of the best things you can do for your sick baby is keep breastfeeding, so offer him the breast at every opportunity. Babies who are sick need more fluids than when they are well and your breast milk will pass on antibodies to him. If your baby is too sick to latch on and breastfeed, give him your breast milk from a cup, bottle, syringe, or eye-dropper.
If you are at all concerned that your baby has been exposed to swine flu or he has symptoms of flu (fever, runny nose, drowsiness) contact your pediatrician straightaway.
The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.
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Last Modified: 24/07/2009
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