H1N1 Flu: 6 Week Old Exposed

I'm not a medical person, but I do know that whatever your body develops antibodies against because you are exposed, your milk will pass on those precious anitbodies to your baby. If you're totally breastfeeding, your baby is getting lots of immunity from you each day. I'd nurse her quite often (on demand) and not worry too much. Involve your pediatrician as you need to. My breastfed babies escaped, or only got a very light case of, whatever my older kids brought home from school. No big deal. I know this current flu is frightening,but you're doing the very best thing you can do. I've been telling moms that breastfeeding is more important than every right now!

First off, like others have said, breastfeeding is the best thing you can be doing for your infant to keep him or her healthy :)

My own 3 year old daughter had the flu last month and my son was only 14 weeks old at the time (a bit older than your 6 week old but still very young). They did not do any tests to confirm H1N1 in my daughter, specifically, but the pediatrician said that they are just assuming all cases of flu are H1N1 this year since it is this year's "seasonal flu" (they did do a nose swab to confirm the presence of the flu virus but didn't test for the particular H1N1 strain). I was crazy about having my 3 year old wash her hands constantly, taught her to cough into her elbow rather than her hand, and wouldn't let her touch the baby other than his feet. She loves to kiss and cuddle him so this was very difficult but I just explained to her, matter of factly, that she has a much stronger body than her little brother so while she can fight off the flu, he would have to go to the hospital if he got it.

My son (the baby) did not end up contracting the flu (thank God!) My best advice is to practice very good hygene. Make sure to take care of yourself very well too. Eat as healthy as possible, take your vitamins, use hand sanitizer when in public, etc. I figured the best defense for my baby was to keep the rest of the family healthy (to avoid further exposure) and to limit any contact between him and my daughter. I even tried to avoid touching my baby's face and hands while my daughter was sick in case I had been exposed myself.

Don't get too scared - I fell victim to the media as well (it's hard not to do when you have a very little baby) and I initially freaked out. But the doctor calmed me down and all ended up fine. Just be vigilant and cautious :)

Everything said is great. You may also really clean door knobs, faucets, refrigerator handles, knobs on chest of drawers anything you grab and pull or push. I also keep disinfectant wipes in the car and in a clear sandwich bag in my purse to wipe grocery charts, car door handles and open doors with my sleeve etc. Good luck

Did you receive the vaccine yourself? If so, I am imagining that will give your child some protection. Most of these things do. So I would relax so you don't get yourself sick with worry. But I can relate a bit. :/

Currently, I did not receive the vaccine, nor did my son. However, I was under the impression the doctors were really not testing for H1N1 any longer due to the overwhelming numbers? (I could be wrong - this is what I hear from CDC and other Medical sites.)

My son's school had a case, and so far I am unsure if any more are there as he became ill. Not sure if it's the H1N1, but I can say this was the longest time he went with a fever (nearly 3.5 days) ranging from 99.5 to 100.3 altho he was in really good spirits. Now we are falling into the congestion part. This morning (5.5 days into this) he woke up with a 'barking' cough that cleared more after he sat up for the morning.
So far, he's good... but I am using Alternative Medicine. My ped's office said if it's H1N1, I can only treat the symptoms. But I am watching like a hawk for a secondary infection as that is really the issue for what is going on for the hospitalizations or worse. (the media and the rest are blaming one for the others, and any illness can cause a secondary infection once the immune system has taken a hit like this.)
So far my son is feeling well, but I am trying to find out what we would be walking into at school - as I am tired of others using it as a daycare for spreading germs and I feel I am the one paying for it all the time. I keep my son home if he has a low-grade temp and never disguise anything with meds, but I pay for as others do. (As well as other parents that follow my lead, and it's totally unfair and exhausting!).

Watch both and calm down. Stay positive - that's the most you can do. I do feel that sometimes illnesses are not only stress-related, but they can be self-fulfilling if you focus and think the worse will happen.

*We didn't receive the vaccine as we could have already been exposed. Most of the public exposed receiving the vaccine have been becoming ill. Not to mention the fact that it was too new, getting produced too quickly for something media-driven to cause more panic. (Look at how you feel? I can't blame you.). But I still feel I would be in a worse spot if I did get the shot after the material I have read, however I am an Alternative provider, so I have my own belief system.

You are doing the BEST thing for your infant...breastfeeding! Keeping baby away from sister, washing your hands alot and keeping a good watch for any symptoms are all great. Breastfed babies, like you said are provided with antibodies from your milk. Sounds like you are taking all the precautions available and so far it has worked. Don't freak out, stress can lower your own immune system. Stay positive and don't forget to pray! All the best to you.

Yes, of course newborns can survive the flu. The biggest concern is keeping hydrated, and breastfeeding is great!!! Your body is building antibodies taking care of a 3-yr old with the flu and you are passing the antibodies on to your little one. I think you are doing a good job by keeping them separated, and it will run its course, like most other viruses. Good luck.

Just keep nursing nursing nursing. Your body has been building immunities for your baby since it first detected the virus. Just make sure to wash your hands frequently (and your 3 year old's as well) and don't let your older child cough or sneeze on the baby and she should be fine. Even if she does get it, you're already doing the best thing for her: breastfeeding! Nurse her on demand, it will keep your supply up and keep her hydrated. It's exactly what you both need right now.

I hope your son feels better soon! *hugs*

i hope she is ok! i know it is very scary....

Just watch your daughter. She will be ok. My daughter had just turned one month (exactly 30 days old) when we took her to the hospital where she coded, had to be incubated etc.. Two weeks in peds ICU. She is now a healthy 2 1/2 yr old.

Once you have more than one child, it's tough for the little one b/c they can pick up the older one's illnesses. Just watch her and if something happens, go to the ER immediately. Your anxious may cause you to get sick, which won't help the cause. Try to relax and enjoy your kids.

Of course a 6 week old can survive the flu.

She might not even get it if the breastmilk protects her. My duaghter had roseola at 2 and my breastfed son never got it.

I would however take the babies temperature at least twice a day to watch for any fevers. It is hard to tell how sick an newborn is.

If she does suddenly spike a temperature call the dr immediately.

I hope you have a grandma that can come and help you by caring for the healthy infant or the sick toddler.

When I had a sick child and a newborn I tried to change my shirts between holding them. and I washed my hands as much as possible.