Does chickenpox spread through breast milk?

Q. Does chickenpox spread through breast milk?

Answered by
Dr. Deepak Patel
and medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team.
This is a premium question & answer published on Mar 14, 2018 and last reviewed on: Jul 26, 2023

Hi doctor,

I am 31 years old and a mother of 7 months old baby. Recently, I have got infected with Herpes zoster virus on my back. It is a small patch above my waist. Doctor told me to stop breastfeeding for a week. But, my baby is exclusively breastfed till now and not taking bottle feed after several attempts. My question is should I completely stop breastfeeding? Will breast milk transfer chickenpox virus? I am eagerly waiting for your response.

#

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

If you have chickenpox or herpes zoster virus infection and you are breastfeeding, then your baby does not get infected with the chickenpox virus through your breast milk. However, if you still have blisters on your skin, then it is possible your baby could develop chickenpox if they come into direct contact with your chickenpox or herpes zoster blisters. Chickenpox virus does not spread through breast milk. It only spreads by skin contact. Since the patch is on your waist and not on any other body part, I think you can breastfeed your child.

Hello doctor,

If my baby gets the chickenpox virus, is it going to be more serious? He is just 7 months old and did not receive the vaccine yet. How to prevent him from this infection?

#

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes, chickenpox is not good for a 7 month child and various complications can occur. The only thing that you can do is do not get any infected area directly in contact with child.


Was this answer helpful?

 | 

Same symptoms doesn’t mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!



Related Questions:
Does miscarriage affect fertility?

.. given by yourself is very useful to give you further direction in the planning of the baby. Generally, apart from doing routine prepregnancy checks, we need to do fertility related tests, including ovulation that have egg release confirmation throug   Read full

Is my pregnancy chicken pox connected in any way to my baby's rickets?

.. is completely reversible and nothing permanent. Your babies values are very mildly affected. So, by the course you are giving him it will be cured completely. Your pregnancy chicken pox has nothing to do with his condition presently.   Read full

Does chickenpox spread through breast milk?

Will breast milk transfer chickenpox virus ... If you have chickenpox or herpes zoster virus infection and you are breastfeeding, then your baby does not get infected with the   Read full

Also Read Answers From:

ideaComprehensive Medical Second Opinion.Submit your Case

Also Read


PCOS and Liver Problems
The hormonal imbalances in polycystic ovary syndrome could cause liver diseases. Read the article to know the relationship between these medical conditions.  Read more»
Inferior Alveolar Nerve Lateralization Technique
The inferior alveolar nerve lateralization technique is a surgical lateralization technique to reposition the nerve. Read the article to know more about this.  Read more»
COVID-19 and Ebola: Similarities and Differences
This article gives a comparison and broader overview of the outbreak of the two deadliest diseases that showed a greater incidence over the last two decades.  Read more»

Ask your health query to a doctor online?

Ask a Paediatrician Now

* guaranteed answer within 4 hours.

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.