Swine Flu: Advice for mothers and others who take care of babies

If a nursing mother or her baby comes down with swine flu, she will be naturally very, very concerned.

The advice below from the NHS (National Health Service) of the UK provide primary guidelines. However, it is imperative that the mother must cotact her doctor at once if there is the slightest sign of her, or her baby, catching swine flu.

Will breastfeeding protect my baby from swine flu?

Breastfeeding does not appear to reduce the likelihood of babies getting cold or flu. However, it should help reduce the risk of associated complications, such as pneumonia and chest infections. Back to top

What should I do if my baby gets flu?

Your doctor may recommend antiviral medication for your baby, and will advise you on the dose and how to give it to them. If you are breastfeeding, you should continue this: breast milk is easily digestible and your baby will find it comforting.

Should I stop breastfeeding if I need to take antiviral drugs?

Women who are breastfeeding can continue to do so while receiving antiviral treatment. If a mother is ill, she should continue breastfeeding and increase feeding frequency. If she becomes too ill to feed, expressing milk may still be possible. Antiviral drugs are excreted into breast milk in very small (insignificant) amounts, which are unlikely to have any side effects on your baby.

Can babies under the age of one take antivirals?

Tamiflu and Relenza are not licensed for use in babies under one. However, after evaluating all the available evidence, the European Medicines Agency has advised that babies may be treated with Tamiflu, and given the following advice:

• The appropriate dosage to treat children aged under one is 2-3mg/kg twice daily for five days.


• It is preferable to treat children under medical supervision.


• The capsule content can be diluted to prepare the correct dose.

Can my baby take Tamiflu as a preventative measure?

Whether babies without flu symptoms can take Tamiflu should be decided by an expert in the care of young children. The recommended dose for prevention in the under-ones is 2mg/kg once a day for 10 days (but must not exceed 10 days).

The best way to protect babies aged under one is by using tissues and throwing them away, washing your hands and the baby's hands thoroughly, and frequently and thoroughly cleaning surfaces, toys and equipment.