Can viruses be passed through breast milk?

Can Viruses Be Passed Through Breast Milk?
The question of whether viruses can be transmitted through breast milk is a complex one, with implications for maternal and infant health. While some viruses are known to be passed through breast milk, the specifics can vary significantly depending on the virus in question.
Transmission of Certain Viruses
Research indicates that certain infectious diseases can indeed be transmitted through breast milk. For instance, viruses such as HIV and HTLV (Human T-lymphotropic virus) are well-documented to pass from mother to child via breastfeeding. This transmission can pose serious health risks to infants, leading to recommendations against breastfeeding in cases where the mother is known to be infected with these viruses.
COVID-19 and Breast Milk
The situation with COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has raised particular concerns among new mothers. Current research has not definitively established whether the virus can be reliably detected in breast milk or if it poses a risk of infection to infants. Experts have noted that while some studies have found traces of the virus in breast milk, the evidence is not conclusive enough to confirm that breastfeeding poses a significant risk of transmitting COVID-19 to infants. The consensus among health professionals is that the benefits of breastfeeding, including the transfer of antibodies and other protective factors, generally outweigh the potential risks associated with COVID-19.
Other Viruses and Infections
Beyond HIV and COVID-19, there are other infections that can be transmitted through breast milk. For example, certain bacterial infections and viruses like cytomegalovirus (CMV) can also be passed to infants during breastfeeding. This highlights the importance of screening and monitoring maternal health, particularly for infections that could affect breastfeeding practices.
The Role of Breast Milk in Infant Immunity
Interestingly, breast milk is not just a potential vector for viruses; it also plays a crucial role in protecting infants from infections. Breast milk contains antibodies and other immune factors that help to educate and strengthen the infant’s immune system. This phenomenon has been described as the mother educating her baby on how to best survive in their environment.
Conclusion
In summary, while some viruses can be transmitted through breast milk, the risk varies by virus and individual circumstances. For most mothers, the benefits of breastfeeding—such as providing essential nutrients and immune protection—are significant. However, in cases of specific infections, particularly those known to be transmitted through breast milk, careful consideration and medical guidance are essential to ensure the health and safety of both mother and child.

Can I pass the flu to my baby through breastfeeding?

Flu viruses do not pass through breast milk. Be careful not to cough or sneeze in baby’s face. Wash hands before touching baby. Before breastfeeding, wash breasts with mild soap and water.

Can you pass on illness through breast milk?

If you have a cold or flu, fever, diarrhea and vomiting, or mastitis, keep breastfeeding as normal. Your baby won’t catch the illness through your breast milk – in fact, it will contain antibodies to reduce her risk of getting the same bug. “Not only is it safe, breastfeeding while sick is a good idea.

Are breastfed babies less likely to get RSV?

Infants receiving (exclusive or partial) maternal milk had lower risk of RSV bronchiolitis. Partial breastfeeding reduces risk of hospitalisation.

Can breastmilk transfer viruses?

Infectious organisms can reach the breast milk either by secretion in the fluid or cellular components of breast milk or by contamination of the milk at the time of or after expression. A reasonable mechanism of infection via breast milk should be evident and proved through either animal or human studies.

What viruses pass through breast milk?

Virus Transmission through Breastfeeding

Virus family	Virus	Demonstrated transmission through breastfeeding
Flaviviridae	HCV	X if the nipples and/or surrounding areola are cracked and bleeding
Hepadnaviridae	HBV
Hepeviridae	HEV
Picornavirus	HAV

Will my baby get sick if I’m sick?

The answer is no. And it actually might be a good idea to continue breastfeeding while you or your partner are sick, as the antibodies that are passed on may help prevent your baby from getting sick. This can be a tough one when you’re a parent.

Can I pass a viral infection to my baby?

Common infections that are passed on via the placenta include rubella, toxoplasmosis, cytomegalovirus, Zika virus infection, and syphilis. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and hepatitis B virus infection may also sometimes be passed on via the placenta.

What transfers through breast milk?

Almost any drug that’s present in the blood will transfer into breast milk to some extent. Most medications do so at low levels and pose no real risk to most infants. There are exceptions, though. Some drugs can be found in high levels in breast milk.

What illnesses should you not breastfeed?

When Should I Not Breastfeed My Baby?

• If the mother has been infected with HIV or has AIDS.
• Many medications taken by the mother may pass onto the baby via breast milk.
• Mothers with cancer who are taking cancer chemotherapy medications also cannot breastfeed their babies.

Can viral fever spread through breast milk?

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.