Can breastfeeding mothers take Tamiflu?

Can Breastfeeding Mothers Take Tamiflu?
Breastfeeding mothers often face the dilemma of managing their health while ensuring the safety of their infants. One common concern arises when a nursing mother contracts the flu and considers taking antiviral medications like Tamiflu (oseltamivir).
Safety of Tamiflu During Breastfeeding
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Tamiflu is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. The CDC has cleared its use, indicating that the benefits of treating influenza with Tamiflu outweigh potential risks to the infant. This reassurance is crucial, especially during flu season when the risk of infection is heightened.
Research supports this guidance. A study involving a nursing mother who took Tamiflu showed that the levels of the medication in breast milk were low, suggesting minimal exposure to the infant. Furthermore, the FDA has also approved the use of Tamiflu in infants, reinforcing the notion that it is safe for breastfeeding mothers to use this medication.
Consulting Healthcare Providers
Despite the general consensus on the safety of Tamiflu, it is always advisable for breastfeeding mothers to consult with their healthcare providers before starting any medication. Each individual’s health situation is unique, and a healthcare professional can provide personalized advice, ensuring that the treatment aligns with the mother’s health needs and the well-being of her child.
Importance of Breastfeeding
Breast milk plays a vital role in an infant’s development, providing essential nutrients and antibodies. If a mother is too ill to breastfeed due to flu symptoms, she is encouraged to express her milk regularly to maintain her supply and continue providing her infant with the benefits of breast milk. This practice not only supports the infant’s health but also helps the mother recover more effectively.
In conclusion, breastfeeding mothers can take Tamiflu safely, but they should always engage in a dialogue with their healthcare providers to make informed decisions about their health and their baby’s safety.

What flu medication is safe while breastfeeding?

Can I take flu medication while breastfeeding? Yes. Although there’s limited data on antiviral flu meds taken while breastfeeding, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends nursing parents with the flu (confirmed or suspected) take antivirals, with oral oseltamivir being the preferred pick.

Is Tamiflu safe for babies?

TAMIFLU is a prescription medicine used to treat the flu (influenza) in people 2 weeks of age and older who have had flu symptoms for no more than 2 days. TAMIFLU can also reduce the chance of getting the flu in people 1 year and older.

Can a baby get flu from its mother?

If a mother is not ill with the flu, breastfeeding is encouraged. If you are sick, you may need to express your milk for use in bottle feedings given by a healthy person. It is unlikely a newborn can catch flu from drinking your breast milk when you are sick. Breast milk is considered safe if you are taking antivirals.

Are breastfed babies safe from the flu?

Influenza is not spread to babies via breastmilk. Rather, people infected with the flu can spread it to others via tiny germ droplets (eg when coughing or sneezing).

What treatments are available for influenza while breastfeeding?

Prescribed Anti Viral Medication
Maternal dosages of 150 mg daily produce low levels in milk and would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants, especially if the infant is older than 2 months (normal dose 75mg daily).

Is it safe to take Tamiflu while breastfeeding?

Tamiflu is a brand-name drug prescribed for influenza (flu). Tamiflu contains the active ingredient oseltamivir, and some experts consider it safe to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

What to do if a breastfeeding mom has flu?

If you have the flu, you can keep breastfeeding your baby, even if you take antiviral medicines for flu-like symptoms. Breast milk is custom-made for babies, providing antibodies that babies need to fight infection. So, continuing to breastfeed can protect your baby from the infection that your body is fighting.

Can I pass flu to my baby?

The flu virus is usually spread when people cough and sneeze, sending tiny droplets of the virus into the air. These germs either travel directly to another person or land on surfaces, where they can live for up to 24 hours.

How do you treat a newborn with the flu?

Children younger than 2 years old will often need to be treated with medicine that fights off the flu virus. This is called antiviral medicine. The medicine works best if started within 48 hours after symptoms begin, if possible. Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) in liquid form will likely be used.

How long is the flu contagious?

Most healthy children and adults with the flu can infect others beginning about one day before developing any symptoms and up to seven days after the symptoms resolve. People with weakened immune systems can remain contagious for up to several weeks.