Does breastmilk protect against RSV?

The Protective Power of Breastmilk Against RSV
Breastfeeding has long been recognized for its myriad health benefits, particularly in the early stages of an infant’s life. One of the most significant advantages is its potential protective effect against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a leading cause of respiratory infections in young children. Recent studies have shed light on how breastmilk can help shield infants from this common yet serious virus.
Understanding RSV and Its Impact
Respiratory syncytial virus is notorious for causing severe respiratory illnesses in infants, often leading to hospitalization. The virus can result in conditions such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia, which are particularly dangerous for young children whose immune systems are still developing. The implications of RSV are profound, especially in low-income and middle-income countries where healthcare resources may be limited.
Breastfeeding as a Protective Measure
Research indicates that breastfeeding can significantly reduce the incidence and severity of RSV infections. A systematic review encompassing 19 studies and over 16,000 infants found a clear association between breastfeeding and lower rates of RSV-related hospitalizations. Specifically, one study highlighted that only eight out of 115 infants hospitalized with RSV had been breastfed, compared to 46 out of 167 controls, underscoring the protective effect of breastmilk.
Mechanisms of Protection
The protective benefits of breastmilk against RSV can be attributed to several factors. Breastmilk is rich in antibodies, particularly immunoglobulin A (IgA), which plays a crucial role in mucosal immunity. This antibody helps to neutralize pathogens in the infant’s gut and respiratory tract, providing a first line of defense against infections. Additionally, breastmilk contains human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), which are complex carbohydrates that not only nourish the infant but also promote a healthy gut microbiome. This microbiome modulation can enhance the infant’s immune response, potentially reducing the severity of RSV infections.
Moreover, the World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life to maximize immune protection against viral infections, including RSV. The longer an infant is breastfed, the greater the protective benefits appear to be, as ongoing exposure to breastmilk continues to bolster the infant’s immune system.
Conclusion
In summary, the evidence strongly supports the notion that breastfeeding offers significant protection against respiratory syncytial virus. By providing essential antibodies and promoting a healthy gut microbiome, breastmilk serves as a vital shield for infants during a critical period of their development. As healthcare professionals and parents alike continue to advocate for breastfeeding, understanding its role in preventing infections like RSV is crucial for safeguarding the health of the youngest members of our society.

Does the RSV vaccine pass through breastmilk?

The benefits of breastfeeding are well known, and the RSV vaccine can safely be given to women who are breastfeeding. The antibodies you make after you have been vaccinated pass into your breast milk. These may give your baby some protection against RSV.

Can a mother pass RSV to her baby?

Can a mom give RSV to her baby? Yes. Although symptoms from RSV are often mild, pregnant people are at greater risk of illness-related complications, such as preeclampsia or preterm labor. There is also a risk of the mother passing the virus to the fetus through the placenta.

Do breastfed babies have immunity from RSV?

Breastfeeding enhances immune response against RSV-derived inflammation in airway epithelial and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Disease severity in viral bronchiolitis is linked to innate immunity.

Do breastfeeding moms get sick less?

Breastfeeding has health benefits for both babies and mothers. Breast milk provides a baby with ideal nutrition and supports growth and development. Breastfeeding can also help protect baby and mom against certain illnesses and diseases.

What is the controversy with the RSV vaccine?

It looks like Moderna’s trial in infants showed a noticeabe increase in severe respiratory disease in babies from 5 months up to 8 months old – about 26% of the vaccinated infants with symptomatic RSV progressed to more severe disease, versus 8% in the placebo control group.

Can mom pass RSV antibodies to baby?

Maternal RSV vaccine (Pfizer’s Abrysvo)
Even though you are not at high risk for severe RSV, this vaccine is important because you will pass the protection to your baby. From the time you are vaccinated, it takes two weeks to develop protection (antibodies) and for protection to pass on to your baby.

Do breastfed babies recover from colds faster?

On the contrary, your milk is a powerful medicine that can help your little one recover more quickly! When your baby is sick, your milk may actually change its composition in response to the baby’s saliva, providing even more of the beneficial compounds babies need to get well.

Does breast milk protect babies from viruses?

Few illnesses are transmitted via breast milk. Instead, the unique properties of breast milk help protect infants from colds and other typical childhood viruses.

Do breastfed babies get over colds faster?

It also has a constantly adjusting balance of vitamins and nutrients, supporting her to get better as quickly as possible. And that means fewer sick days and visits to the doctor for both of you. “Breastfeeding provides everything your baby needs if she’s sick – it’s her medicine as well as her food, fluid and comfort.

What can I give my baby to prevent RSV?

In addition to vaccines available for pregnant people and adults over 60, a new preventive medication is now recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for babies before or during their first RSV season. The medication’s name is Beyfortus (Nirsevimab).