Is it okay to take medicine to treat the flu while breastfeeding?

Yes, mothers who are breastfeeding and taking medicine to treat flu because they are sick should express their breast milk for bottle feedings, which can be given to your baby by someone who is not sick.  Mothers who are breastfeeding and are taking medicines to prevent the flu because they have been exposed to the virus should continue to feed their baby at the breast as long as they do not have symptoms of the flu such as fever, cough, or sore throat.

Last Reviewed: 08/30/2010

• Does breastfeeding protect babies from flu viruses?
• Should I stop breastfeeding my baby if I think I have come in contact with the flu?
• If my baby is sick with the flu, is it okay to breastfeed?

• Preventing the Flu
• Special Patients
  • Breastfeeding Mothers