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Does chickenpox spread through breast milk?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

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.
Answered by Dr. Deepak Patel

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Deepak Patel is a well-experienced Pediatrician with 17 years of clinical experience. He completed his MBBS from the University of Delhi in 2007 and MD in Pediatrics from the University College of Medical Sciences and Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, Delhi, in 2010. He is currently working at Laxmi Nagar in Delhi.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

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.

Patient's Query

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?

Answered by Dr. Deepak Patel

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Deepak Patel is a well-experienced Pediatrician with 17 years of clinical experience. He completed his MBBS from the University of Delhi in 2007 and MD in Pediatrics from the University College of Medical Sciences and Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, Delhi, in 2010. He is currently working at Laxmi Nagar in Delhi.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

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.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At March 14, 2018
Reviewed At January 18, 2024

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Deepak Patel is a well-experienced Pediatrician with 17 years of clinical experience. He completed his MBBS from the University of Delhi in 2007 and MD in Pediatrics from the University College of Medical Sciences and Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, Delhi, in 2010. He is currently working at Laxmi Nagar in Delhi.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

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Companion

Chickenpox Breastfeeding Companion

How it works

If you have chickenpox or herpes zoster while breastfeeding, it's natural to have concerns. Here's what you need to know about transmission and how to protect your baby.

1

Virus
Basics

2

Milk
Transmission

3

Skin
Contact

4

Safe
Breastfeeding

5

Infant
Risks

6

Preventing
Infant

This information is based on general medical guidance. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice; consult a qualified clinician.

Always consult a doctor before taking medication; self-medication carries serious health risks. Take exact prescribed doses, and never start, change, or stop treatment without medical supervision.
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Dr. Deepak Patel

Child Health

Consult this doctor

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Deepak Patel is a well-experienced Pediatrician with 17 years of clinical experience. He completed his MBBS from the University of Delhi in 2007 and MD in Pediatrics from the University College of Medical Sciences and Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, Delhi, in 2010. He is currently working at Laxmi Nagar in Delhi.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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