Suggest Precautions To Avoid Strep Throat From Spreading To Infant From Parent

Posted on Mon, 14 Sep 2015

Question: I am father of a 1-month old baby girl. In a recent international trip I acquired a strep throat with fever. I am curing it with antibiotics. Unfortunately my wife who is breastfeeding is also showing symptoms of throat irritation. Probably she has caught my infection. What can we do to protect our baby from catching it. What if the baby also catches the infection.

Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (17 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No additional protection required. Breast feeding should be continued

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

I have gone through the query and understand your concerns. Let me assure you that breast feeding provides the best protection that a baby needs. Even if her mother gets a Strep throat, you need not worry. Insist her to continue breast feeding. The baby does not need any additional protection other than maintenance of hand hygiene and general sanitation.

Both you and your wife should gurgle with lukewarm water. Antibiotics are just optional but if initiated, the course should be completed.

Wish you health.

Regards

Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj