Safety of breast/chest-feeding by those infected by SARS-CoV-2

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2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose of reviewOne important question from the outset of the pandemic has been whether a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-infected person's milk might be a vehicle for SARS-CoV-2 transmission. This review summarizes the most recent data on this topic.Recent findingsA SARS-CoV-2 sIgA response in milk after infection is very common. To date, there has been no evidence that SARS-CoV-2 transmits via human milk. Though viral RNA has been identified in a minority of milk samples studied, infectious virus particles have not.SummaryThe highly dominant transmission route for SARS-CoV-2 is via inhalation of respiratory droplets containing virus particles. Other routes of transmission are possible, including fecal-oral, trans-placental, and to a much lesser extent, via a contaminated surface. SARS-CoV-2 cannot transmit via human milk. There is no evidence that infants should be separated from SARS-CoV-2-infected mothers who are well enough to establish or continue breastfeeding.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)129-132
Number of pages4
JournalCurrent Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care
Volume25
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Mar 2022

Keywords

  • coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
  • human milk
  • lactation
  • secretory IgA
  • severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)

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