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Herpes Zoster and breastfeeding

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  • Herpes Zoster and breastfeeding

    What are the contraindications to having active shingles/herpes zoster and breastfeeding?

    Michele E. Hickman RN, CPNP

  • #2
    Dear Michele,

    Shingles or herpes zoster is spread through contact with the lesions. If the lesions are on only one breast, mother may continue breastfeeding on the unaffected breast while pumping and discarding on the affected breast. She should keep the affected breast covered and use meticulous handwashing with each breastfeeding session to decrease risk to the infant. If the lesions are on both breasts, she should pump and discard and give an alternative form of nutrition until the lesions are scabbed over (no longer infective). If the lesions are not on the breast, then the mother may breastfeed from both breasts while keeping the affected body area covered.

    Sincerely,
    Cindy Pride, MSN, CPNP
    TTUHSC InfantRisk Center

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    • #3
      I have a mother whose 13 month old baby has just been diagnosed with herpes 1 (cold sores). Mother is concerned about baby causing lesions on her nipples by nursing. Ped. said to wean, but mother wants to keep bf. Would using a nipple shield be a good idea in this situation? I can't find anything in the literature about transmission of herpes from baby's mouth to mother's nipple.

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      • #4
        Per Dr. Jack Newman, mother should continue breastfeeding and use acyclovar if any lesions begin. Dr. Becky Saenz recommended Zovirax for the baby and, if necessary, for the mother, should she become symptomatic.

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        • #5
          Dear glorick,

          Most adults have already been exposed to herpes simplex virus so the mother probably is already a host to the virus, therefore, her risk of developing infection while breastfeeding is low. The virus is transmitted through direct contact with lesions or oral secretions, thus Dr. Hale suggests for the mother to wash her breast after breastfeeding with mild soap and water. She may use a nipple shield if she desires. She may also pump until the child's lesion resolves. If the child has a severe case, certainly treatment for the child with an anti-viral medication would be in order. The mother may also be treated with an anti-viral medication if she develops symptoms.

          Sincerely,
          Cindy Pride, MSN, CPNP
          TTUHSC InfantRisk Center
          Last edited by cpride; 02-28-2013, 10:16 AM.

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          • #6
            A great*exchange of information.
            Last edited by Vsmislewwwwe; 10-09-2014, 06:05 AM.

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            • #7
              hi

              is it ok to for the mother and the baby to be in the same room? i know it is airborne virus.

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              • #8
                Varicella-Herpes Zoster is only airborne during a primary infection, in other words only when the patient has chickenpox. The re-activation syndrome is called Shingles (rash in a small area only on one side of the body) and does not become airborne. Mom should still be careful about having skin to skin contact with others because it can be spread that way.

                -James Abbey, MD

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