Is Influenza compatible with breastfeeding? Do we have alternatives for Influenza?

Influenza

August 11, 2017 (Very Low Risk)

An illness which is caused by any of the three types of Influenza A, B and C virus. Type A has several subtypes: H1N1, H1N2, H2N2, H3N2, H5N1 ...

It is contagious from one day before symptoms appear, hence isolation of the mother from her infant is useless.
It is not indicated the isolation of newborn babies from their mothers either (Sendelbach 2012, Cantey 2013).

The illness, on both the mother and the infant, is compatible while breastfeeding. Discontinuation of breastfeeding would not only increase the likelihood of infection but the severity of the infection on the infant.

Most antiviral treatments used for treatment and prophylaxis of influenza (Amantadine, Oseltamivir, Zanamivir) are compatible while breastfeeding, although Amantadine may reduce milk production (see specific info).

Hand washing, covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, or mask wearing are recommended while breastfeeding.


See below the information of these related products:
Very Low Risk

Compatible. Not risky for breastfeeding or infant.

Low Risk

Moderately safe. Mild risk possible. Follow up recommended. Read the Comment.

High Risk

Poorly safe. Evaluate carefully. Use a safer alternative. Read the Comment.

Very High Risk

Not recommended. Cessation of breastfeeding or alternative.

Synonyms

  • Avian flu, Bird flu
  • Flu
  • Influenza virus
  • Swine Flu

References

  1. Cantey JB, Bascik SL, Heyne NG, Gonzalez JR, Jackson GL, Rogers VL, Sheffield JS, Treviño S, Sendelbach D, Wendel GD, Sánchez PJ. Prevention of mother-to-infant transmission of influenza during the postpartum period. Am J Perinatol. 2013Abstract
  2. Henkle E, Steinhoff MC, Omer SB, Roy E, Arifeen SE, Raqib R, Breiman RF, Caulfield LE, Moss WJ, Zaman K. The effect of exclusive breast-feeding on respiratory illness in young infants in a maternal immunization trial in Bangladesh. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2013Abstract
  3. Sendelbach DM, Sanchez PJ. Varicella, influenza: not necessary to separate mother and infant. Pediatrics. 2012Abstract Full text (in our servers)
  4. Lanari M, Sogno Valin P, Natale F, Capretti MG, Serra L. Human milk, a concrete risk for infection? J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2012Abstract
  5. Zapata LB, Kendrick JS, Jamieson DJ, MacFarlane K, Shealy K, Barfield WD. Prevention of novel influenza infection in newborns in hospital settings: considerations and strategies during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic. Disaster Med Public Health Prep. 2012Abstract
  6. Greer LG, Leff RD, Rogers VL, Roberts SW, McCracken GH Jr, Wendel GD Jr, Sheffield JS. Pharmacokinetics of oseltamivir in breast milk and maternal plasma. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2011Abstract Full text (in our servers)
  7. Gupta M, Pursley DM. A survey of infection control practices for influenza in mother and newborn units in US hospitals. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2011Abstract Full text (in our servers)
  8. Prameela KK. Breastfeeding--anti-viral potential and relevance to the influenza virus pandemic. Med J Malaysia. 2011Abstract Full text (in our servers)
  9. Dembinski J. [Oseltamivir in pregnancy, lactation and neonatal period--comparison of international recommendations]. Z Geburtshilfe Neonatol. 2010Abstract
  10. Skalli S, Ferreira E, Bussières JF, Allenet B. [Influenza A/H1N1v 2009 during pregnancy and breastfeeding: which antiviral to choose?]. Ann Pharm Fr. 2010Abstract
  11. Melendi GA, Coviello S, Bhat N, Zea-Hernandez J, Ferolla FM, Polack FP. Breastfeeding is associated with the production of type I interferon in infants infected with influenza virus. Acta Paediatr. 2010Abstract
  12. Tanaka T, Nakajima K, Murashima A, Garcia-Bournissen F, Koren G, Ito S. Safety of neuraminidase inhibitors against novel influenza A (H1N1) in pregnant and breastfeeding women. CMAJ. 2009Abstract Full text (in our servers)
  13. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2009 H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) and Feeding your Baby: What Parents Should Know. CDC 2009 Full text (in our servers)
  14. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. La influenza H1N1 2009 (influenza porcina) y la alimentación del bebé: lo que los padres deben conocer. CDC Info 2009 Full text (in our servers)
  15. Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. Breastfeeding / Swine Flu Recommendations for Physicians from the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine For immediate release (ABM) 2009 Full text (in our servers)
  16. Wentges-van Holthe N, van Eijkeren M, van der Laan JW. Oseltamivir and breastfeeding. Int J Infect Dis. 2008Abstract Full text (in our servers)
  17. Ruben FL, Holzman IR, Fireman P. Responses of lymphocytes from human colostrum or milk to influenza antigens. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1982Abstract