Breast Feeding and Swine Flu
Should I continue breast-feeding my baby after being diagnosed with swine flu ?
The H1N1 flu virus “swine flu” was first detected in people in April 2009 in the United States. This virus is spreading from person-to-person, probably in the very same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.
Although very little known, infants are thought to be at higher risk for severe illness from 2009 H1N1 infection. The preventive measures of H1N1 are very little studied in infants.
The known facts are as the following:
Mothers natural milk contains antibodies to boost the immunity of the baby against flu and also most probably against swine flu. If you are infected with swine flu you probably have antibodies against H1N1 that may help your baby to fight against swine flu.
Swine flu spreads trough insufficient hygiene. If you do not wash your hands, do not use a face mask while coughing, and do not apply the basic hygiene measures the chances of transmitting the disease to your baby are pretty high.
According to the center for disease control and prevention (CDC, http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/inf...) the best approach would be to extract your natural milk and feed your your baby with the help of a diseases free person taking all the possible hygienic precautions.
More data on swine flu and breast feeding will be available till 2010 flu season. We have to go with basic instinct right now.
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