The number of Corona virus infections continues to spread to a number of countries, including Indonesia. Anyone can be infected with this virus, including breastfeeding mothers. So, what is the impact of this virus on breastfeeding mothers and breastfed babies?
If Busui has symptoms of Corona virus infection and requires a COVID-19 examination, click the link below so Busui can be directed to the nearest health facility:
- Rapid Test Antibodies
- Antigen Swab (Rapid Test Antigen)
- PCR
Corona virus infection or COVID-19 disease is caused by a new type of coronavirus which was first discovered in Wuhan, China in December 2019. The virus that attacks the respiratory tract is still in the same group as the virus that causes SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and MERS Cov.
Some people infected with the Corona virus experience mild symptoms resembling the flu, but there are also people with Corona virus infection who experience severe symptoms due to pneumonia. Corona virus infection has now been confirmed to be found in Indonesia.
Symptoms and Ways of Transmission of Corona Virus Infection in Breastfeeding Mothers
Transmission of the Corona virus between humans can occur through direct contact, it can also be through indirect contact, namely when touching objects that have been contaminated with the Corona virus. A person can also get COVID-19 if they accidentally inhale splashes of saliva containing the Corona virus, for example when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Symptoms of COVID-19 can appear within 2–14 days after contracting the Corona virus. COVID-19 in nursing mothers can cause mild flu-like symptoms. However, this virus attack can also cause breastfeeding mothers to experience more severe symptoms, such as:
- Fever
- Hard to breathe
- Dry cough or phlegm
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Muscle ache
- Weak
In addition to some of the symptoms above, Corona virus infection can also cause symptoms of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and coughing up blood. However, these symptoms are less common.
If Busui has symptoms or has recently traveled to a country affected by the Corona virus, such as China, South Korea and Italy, click on the image below to find out if Busui is at risk of being infected with Corona.
Steps for Handling Corona Virus Infection
If Busui experiences the symptoms above, immediately consult a doctor to determine whether these symptoms are caused by Corona virus infection or not.
If the results of the doctor's examination confirm that there is a Corona virus infection, Busui needs to be hospitalized to receive monitoring and treatment from the doctor.
However, if the results of the examination do not indicate a Corona virus infection, Busui can rest at home and take the medicines prescribed by the doctor until the symptoms improve. While resting, Busui is advised not to travel outside the house.
Can Babies Get Corona Virus Through Breast Milk?
Until now, there have been no studies or case reports stating that Corona virus infection can be transmitted through breast milk. Therefore, breastfeeding mothers who are infected with the Corona virus can still breastfeed or breastfeed their babies.
However, the risk of the baby contracting the Corona virus infection from his mother remains. Transmission can occur when a nursing mother who is infected with the Corona virus touches her baby with unwashed hands, as well as when a nursing mother coughs or sneezes near her baby.
To prevent transmission of the Corona virus to babies, breastfeeding mothers are advised to apply safe breastfeeding tips, namely:
- Wearing a mask when around babies and children, including when breastfeeding
- Washing hands and cleaning the nipples and the skin around them before and after feeding the baby, as well as before expressing breast milk
- Expressing breast milk, either with a breast pump or manually (only by hand without using tools), then giving expressed milk to the baby with a clean feeding bottle
- Give formula milk to babies as a substitute for breast milk, if the mother is unable to breastfeed
Given the lack of information regarding Corona virus infection in breastfeeding mothers, it is important for Busui to make efforts to prevent infection as much as possible. Thus, Busui can protect the health of yourself and your little one.
If Busui feels symptoms of Corona virus infection or COVID-19, immediately consult a doctor to undergo an examination and get the right treatment.
If you are still in doubt, Busui can chat doctor directly in the Alodokter application, while making an appointment with a doctor at the hospital through this application.
