How do you treat the flu while breastfeeding?

Treating the Flu While Breastfeeding: A Comprehensive Guide
When a breastfeeding mother contracts the flu, it can raise concerns about her health and the well-being of her infant. However, health experts generally agree that breastfeeding during this time is not only safe but also beneficial for the baby. Here’s a detailed look at how to manage flu symptoms while continuing to provide nourishment through breast milk.
Continuing Breastfeeding
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes that mothers should continue breastfeeding even if they have the flu. Breast milk contains antibodies that can help protect the infant from the virus, making it a crucial source of immunity during flu season. If a mother feels too ill to breastfeed directly, she can pump her milk and have someone who is not sick feed it to the baby. This ensures that the baby still receives the vital nutrients and antibodies present in breast milk.
Hygiene Practices
To minimize the risk of transmitting the flu virus to the infant, mothers are encouraged to adopt strict hygiene practices. This includes washing hands frequently, using hand sanitizer, and wearing a mask while breastfeeding. These measures can significantly reduce the likelihood of spreading the virus to the baby, allowing mothers to care for their infants without undue worry.
Medication Considerations
If a breastfeeding mother is experiencing severe flu symptoms, she may need to consider antiviral medications. Oseltamivir (commonly known as Tamiflu) is often recommended for breastfeeding mothers, as it is deemed safe and effective. While there is limited data on the effects of antiviral medications in breast milk, the CDC supports their use in nursing parents, highlighting that the benefits of treating the flu generally outweigh potential risks.
Self-Care and Recovery
Mothers should prioritize self-care while managing flu symptoms. This includes staying hydrated, resting as much as possible, and maintaining a nutritious diet to support recovery. Adequate rest is essential not only for the mother’s health but also for maintaining milk supply. If symptoms worsen or complications arise, consulting a healthcare provider is crucial for tailored advice and treatment options.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding while having the flu is not only safe but also advantageous for the infant. By continuing to breastfeed, practicing good hygiene, considering appropriate medications, and focusing on self-care, mothers can effectively manage their flu symptoms while ensuring their baby remains healthy and nourished. As always, open communication with healthcare providers can help mothers navigate this challenging time with confidence.

Does milk supply drop when you’re sick?

Getting sick. Just catching a virus or bug such as the flu, a cold, or a stomach virus won’t decrease your milk supply. However, related symptoms such as fatigue, diarrhea, vomiting, or decreased appetite definitely can.

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.

Will my breastfed baby get the flu if I have it?

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 can breastfeeding moms take for flu?

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. Research shows that very little transfers to breastmilk.

What are the five stages of flu?

You may have the flu if you experience: 1 Fever or chills 2 Cough 3 Sore throat 4 Body aches 5 Fatigue If you or a loved one exhibits these symptoms, it’s essential to take precautions. Stay indoors, rest, and let us help you feel better. 🏡💊 Brashear’s Pharmacy offers FREE delivery within a 5- mile radius.

Is Tamiflu ok while breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding Patients
Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) is probably compatible with breastfeeding. Levels of oseltamivir in milk (39 ng/mL) are very low and would be subclinical to an infant. The infant would receive only about 0.5% of the mothers dose. The CDC considers oseltamivir safe to use in breastfeeding mothers.

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.

Will my baby get sick if I’m sick?

While you’re sick, though, protect your baby from as many germs as possible. Babies have a higher risk of catching the flu and having health problems from it. So: Wash your hands well and often.

Will my baby be OK if I have flu?

Getting the flu during pregnancy can affect your baby’s development. Fever, a common flu symptom, can cause neural tube defects and other problems in a developing baby.

Does Mucinex decrease milk supply?

“It is best to avoid certain over-the-counter cough medications as they may decrease breast milk supply,” says Dr. Neela. “Just as they dry up your nasal congestion, they can also dry up your breast milk. Usually, antihistamines and nasal decongestants are the ingredients that have this effect on breastmilk.”