COVID-19 Breastfeeding Advice
March 25, 2020
Can mothers who are exposed to or who have contracted covid-19 breastfeed their babies?
Yes. Please see up to date information from the Centers for Disease Control concerning known facts for pregnant and breastfeeding women here.
Breastfeeding and the risk of respiratory tract infections after infancy
Infectious diseases, including respiratory tract infections, are a leading cause of morbidity and hospitalization in infants and children.[1, 2] There is much epidemiological evidence for the benefits of breastfeeding against a wide range of infections and illnesses.[3, 4] Breast milk contains various antimicrobial substances, anti-inflammatory components and factors that promote immune development.[4, 5] It enhances the immature immune system of the infant and strengthens defense mechanisms against infectious and other agents during the breastfeeding period.[4–7] Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life with breastfeeding along with complementary feeding thereafter is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Transmission of COVID-19 through breast milk
Much is unknown about how COVID-19 is spread. Person-to-person spread is thought to occur mainly via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how influenza (flu) and other respiratory pathogens spread. In limited studies on women with COVID-19 and another coronavirus infection, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV), the virus has not been detected in breast milk.
Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 in Homes and Residential Communities
Household members, intimate partners, and caregivers in a nonhealthcare setting may have close contact2 with a person with symptomatic, laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 or a person under investigation. Close contacts should monitor their health; they should call their healthcare provider right away if they develop symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 (e.g., fever, cough, shortness of breath) (see Interim US Guidance for Risk Assessment and Public Health Management of Persons with Potential Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Exposure in Travel-associated or Community Settings.)
Close contacts should also follow these recommendations:
- Make sure that you understand and can help the patient follow their healthcare provider’s instructions for medication(s) and care. You should help the patient with basic needs in the home and provide support for getting groceries, prescriptions, and other personal needs.
- Monitor the patient’s symptoms. If the patient is getting sicker, call his or her healthcare provider and tell them that the patient has laboratory-confirmed COVID-19. This will help the healthcare provider’s office take steps to keep other people in the office or waiting room from getting infected. Ask the healthcare provider to call the local or state health department for additional guidance. If the patient has a medical emergency and you need to call 911, notify the dispatch personnel that the patient has, or is being evaluated for COVID-19.
- Household members should stay in another room or be separated from the patient as much as possible. Household members should use a separate bedroom and bathroom, if available.
- Prohibit visitors who do not have an essential need to be in the home.
- Household members should care for any pets in the home. Do not handle pets or other animals while sick. For more information, see COVID-19 and Animals.
- Make sure that shared spaces in the home have good air flow, such as by an air conditioner or an opened window, weather permitting.
- Perform hand hygiene frequently. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60 to 95% alcohol, covering all surfaces of your hands and rubbing them together until they feel dry. Soap and water should be used preferentially if hands are visibly dirty.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- The patient should wear a facemask when you are around other people. If the patient is not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), you, as the caregiver, should wear a mask when you are in the same room as the patient.
- Wear a disposable facemask and gloves when you touch or have contact with the patient’s blood, stool, or body fluids, such as saliva, sputum, nasal mucus, vomit, urine.
- Throw out disposable facemasks and gloves after using them. Do not reuse.
- When removing personal protective equipment, first remove and dispose of gloves. Then, immediately clean your hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Next, remove and dispose of facemask, and immediately clean your hands again with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid sharing household items with the patient. You should not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, bedding, or other items. After the patient uses these items, you should wash them thoroughly (see below “Wash laundry thoroughly”).
- Clean all “high-touch” surfaces, such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables, every day. Also, clean any surfaces that may have blood, stool, or body fluids on them.
- Use a household cleaning spray or wipe, according to the label instructions. Labels contain instructions for safe and effective use of the cleaning product including precautions you should take when applying the product, such as wearing gloves and making sure you have good ventilation during use of the product.
- Wash laundry thoroughly.
- Immediately remove and wash clothes or bedding that have blood, stool, or body fluids on them.
- Wear disposable gloves while handling soiled items and keep soiled items away from your body. Clean your hands (with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer) immediately after removing your gloves.
- Read and follow directions on labels of laundry or clothing items and detergent. In general, using a normal laundry detergent according to washing machine instructions and dry thoroughly using the warmest temperatures recommended on the clothing label.
- Place all used disposable gloves, facemasks, and other contaminated items in a lined container before disposing of them with other household waste. Clean your hands (with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer) immediately after handling these items. Soap and water should be used preferentially if hands are visibly dirty.
- Discuss any additional questions with your state or local health department or healthcare provider. Check available hours when contacting your local health department.
Guidance on breastfeeding for mothers with confirmed COVID-19 or under investigation for COVID-19
Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for most infants. However, much is unknown about COVID-19. Whether and how to start or continue breastfeeding should be determined by the mother in coordination with her family and healthcare providers. A mother with confirmed COVID-19 or who is a symptomatic PUI should take all possible precautions to avoid spreading the virus to her infant, including washing her hands before touching the infant and wearing a face mask, if possible, while feeding at the breast. If expressing breast milk with a manual or electric breast pump, the mother should wash her hands before touching any pump or bottle parts and follow recommendations for proper pump cleaning after each use. If possible, consider having someone who is well feed the expressed breast milk to the infant.
The Andrew County Health Department provides various health screening services to help residents monitor their health status. These screenings are designed to detect potential health concerns early and provide information that individuals can discuss with their healthcare providers. What Are Health Screenings? Health screenings are basic tests or checks that can identify potential health concerns. These screenings are not diagnostic tests and do not replace visits to primary care providers. They serve as preliminary assessments that can indicate whether further medical evaluation may be warranted. Available Screening Services The Andrew County Health Department offers several types of health screenings including blood pressure checks, vision and hearing screenings, STD and HIV testing, tuberculosis testing, and blood sugar and cholesterol screenings at special events. These screenings are conducted by trained public health professionals in private settings, with results typically available during the visit or within a few days for laboratory tests. Screening Process Each type of screening follows specific procedures. Blood pressure screenings involve using a cuff to measure blood pressure, which takes approximately one minute. Vision screenings test visual clarity using eye charts. STD testing may involve collecting samples such as urine or swabs for laboratory analysis, with confidential results provided within a few days. Hearing screenings use headphones to test hearing range across different sound frequencies. Most screenings require minimal preparation and no extensive paperwork. Individuals who receive results indicating potential concerns are provided with referral information for follow-up care with healthcare providers of their choice. Privacy and Confidentiality All screening services follow strict public health privacy standards. Personal health information and results are shared only with the individual being screened. This confidential approach is particularly important for sensitive services such as HIV or STD testing, which are provided in a supportive, non-judgmental environment. Screening Locations and Events The Andrew County Health Department conducts screenings at their office location and participates in community outreach events throughout the year. These outreach activities may include local school events, community health fairs, back-to-school events, workplace wellness programs, and mobile clinics in rural areas. Information about upcoming screening events and locations is available on the health department's website and social media channels. Preparation for Screenings Most screenings require minimal preparation. General recommendations include wearing clothing with short sleeves for easy access during blood pressure or tuberculosis testing, bringing a list of current medications, avoiding caffeine before blood pressure screenings as it may temporarily affect readings, and bringing identification if requested, though most screenings are open to all residents. Individuals with specific questions about preparation can contact the health department in advance. Accessibility and Cost Many screening services are available at no cost or low cost to residents. These services are generally accessible to the public regardless of insurance status. Some screenings operate on a walk-in basis, while others may require scheduling. Contact information and availability details can be obtained by calling the health department. Community Health Impact Health screenings contribute to community health monitoring by helping identify health trends and needs within the population. This information assists public health officials in developing appropriate community health programs and responses. Contact Information For information about upcoming screening events, scheduling, costs, and specific screening services, visit andrewcountyhealth.com or contact the Andrew County Health Department directly. Current screening schedules and locations are regularly updated on the department's website and social media platforms.
The Andrew County Health Department conducts routine food safety inspections to help prevent foodborne illnesses and ensure food service establishments comply with local and state health regulations. These inspections are part of the department's environmental health services that protect public health in the community. Purpose of Food Safety Inspections Food safety inspections are routine visits conducted by trained environmental health specialists to verify that food service establishments follow regulations for safe food handling, sanitation, and hygiene practices. These inspections help identify and address potential food safety issues before they can affect public health. Types of Establishments Inspected Food safety inspections cover various types of food service operations including restaurants and cafes, food trucks and mobile vendors, school cafeterias, grocery stores and deli counters, temporary food booths at fairs or events, and church or nonprofit kitchens that serve the public. Any establishment that serves food to the public is subject to periodic inspections to ensure consistent safety practices across all food service environments. Inspection Components During inspections, environmental health specialists evaluate several areas related to food safety based on the Missouri Food Code. Inspection items include proper food temperatures for storage and cooking, cleanliness of food preparation areas and equipment, handwashing stations and employee hygiene practices, proper labeling and storage of chemicals, pest control and facility maintenance, dishwashing and sanitizing procedures, and safe food handling and cross-contamination prevention measures. Each inspection follows a standardized checklist, and inspectors provide written reports documenting observations and any violations found. Types of Violations Violations are categorized as either non-critical or critical. Non-critical violations, such as missing paper towels at handwashing stations or unlabeled cleaning supplies, can often be corrected immediately during the inspection. Critical violations involve more serious food safety risks, such as improper food temperatures or pest issues. These violations require follow-up inspections and, in severe cases, may result in temporary closure until the problem is resolved. The health department works with establishments to ensure violations are corrected promptly and properly. Public Health Impact Food safety inspections help prevent foodborne illnesses that can particularly affect vulnerable populations including young children, older adults, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Regular inspections help identify and correct food safety risks before they can cause illness outbreaks. Consumer Role in Food Safety Residents can contact the Andrew County Health Department to inquire about inspection reports or report food safety concerns. Public records for inspections may be available upon request. Event organizers working with food vendors can coordinate with the health department to ensure safety regulations are followed. Additional Food Safety Services Beyond inspections, the Andrew County Health Department provides food handler training and certification, plan reviews for new or remodeled food establishments, temporary food permit assistance for events, consultations for safe food handling practices, and resources on Missouri Food Code updates and guidelines. These services support food service operators in maintaining compliance with safety regulations while operating their businesses. Contact Information For information about food safety regulations, inspection reports, or food service operator resources, contact the Andrew County Health Department or visit andrewcountyhealth.com. The environmental health team provides support for food safety compliance throughout Andrew County.
Emergency situations can occur with little warning, making advance preparation essential for protecting your family's safety and well-being. The Andrew County Health Department provides resources and guidance to help residents prepare for various emergency scenarios that may affect our community. Common Emergency Situations in Andrew County Andrew County residents may face several types of emergency situations, including tornadoes, flash floods, ice storms and power outages, disease outbreaks, heat waves, and hazardous material incidents. Understanding these potential risks helps families prepare appropriately for local conditions. Building an Emergency Supply Kit An emergency supply kit should contain essential items to sustain your family for at least 72 hours. Basic supplies include bottled water (one gallon per person per day), non-perishable food and manual can opener, flashlight with extra batteries, first aid kit, phone chargers and power banks, weather radio, personal hygiene items, medications and medical supplies, extra clothing and blankets, copies of important documents, and cash in small bills. Customize your emergency kit based on the specific needs of household members, including infants, seniors, pets, or individuals with medical conditions requiring special supplies. Creating a Family Emergency Plan A family emergency plan should address key elements including escape routes from your home and neighborhood, designated meeting locations both near your home and outside your immediate area, emergency contact information with phone numbers memorized by all family members, and communication methods for staying in touch if separated during an emergency. Keep printed copies of your emergency plan in multiple locations including backpacks, vehicles, and emergency supply kits. Staying Informed During Emergencies The Andrew County Health Department provides important health and safety information during emergency situations. This may include severe weather warnings, public shelter locations, boil water advisories, road closures and detours, and disease outbreak or exposure alerts. Residents should sign up for local alert systems, follow official social media accounts, check the health department website regularly during emergencies, and maintain a weather radio for updates when other communication methods are unavailable. Home Preparedness Measures Consider implementing safety measures in your home such as anchoring large furniture to prevent tipping, installing and maintaining smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms, keeping vehicle fuel tanks at least half full, maintaining property by trimming trees and clearing gutters, and reviewing insurance policies to understand coverage. Preparing Children for Emergencies Help children understand emergency procedures through age-appropriate discussions and practice. Ensure children know how to call 911, recognize emergency alarms, locate exits, find your emergency kit, and contact a trusted adult. Regular practice of emergency procedures can help children respond appropriately during actual emergencies. Andrew County Health Department Emergency Services The health department participates in emergency preparedness and response through coordination with local and state emergency response agencies, community health alerts and safety communications, public health response during disease outbreaks, assistance with emergency shelter information and public messaging, and preparedness resources and planning materials. Additional Resources For emergency preparedness resources, planning templates, and local emergency information, visit andrewcountyhealth.com or contact the Andrew County Health Department directly. The department provides community-specific guidance and tools to support family emergency planning efforts.
