Does breastfeeding protect babies from flu viruses?

There are many ways that breastfeeding and breast milk protect babies’ health.  Flu can be very serious in young babies.  Babies who are not breastfed get sick from infections like the flu more often and more severely than babies who are breastfed.

Mothers pass on protective antibodies to their baby during breastfeeding.  Antibodies are a type of protein made by the immune system in the body.  Antibodies help fight off infection. 

If you are sick with flu and are breastfeeding, have someone who is not sick give your baby your expressed breast milk.

Last Reviewed: 09/01/2010

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• What household cleaning should be done to prevent the spread of flu viruses?

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