Is It Safe To Breastfeed While Having Typhoid Fever?

Posted on Thu, 4 Dec 2014

Question: blood test of my wife age 29 years test date 11.11.2014 shows H antigen 1.160 and O antigen 1.160 boy baby born on 01st oct 2014 just 41 days baby now 41 days old... what is the treatment to be given even my baby has cold and cough. she already had a typo positive when she was 8 months pregnant on 24th Aug 2014 she had given 4 days antibiotic of Amicazin and Taxim injections at that time. Can she continue to breastfeed milk to baby even after taking antibiotic? if there is any concern to be taken please advice

Answered by Dr. Arun (11 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Do blood culture, antibiotics for 7 days

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for writing to us.

The reports you mentioned does seem that your wife has typhoid fever.
However a blood culture is necessary to identify the species and its susceptibility to specific antibiotics.

Meanwhile same antibiotics can be taken like last time but once culture report comes you may need to change antibiotics accordingly.

For your baby consult a doctor before giving any medicines for cold and cough.

Let me know if you need further assistance.

Regards
Dr Arun

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Arun (2 hours later)

Dear Doctor,

2.5 months now from first report of typho on 24th aug 2014... So how long this will stay in human body and when blood report will show Negative typho.

Is because of this baby will be in risk of affecting typho? through breast milk or any other way from mother.

Answered by Dr. Arun (30 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
needs complete treatment

Detailed Answer:
Typhoid can stay for many years if not treated fully.
Usual treatment is for 7 to 10 days and blood culture should become negative.
Your baby will not be affected by breastfeeding. Just ensure washing hands before handling baby.
Arun

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari

Follow up: Dr. Arun (20 hours later)

Dear Doctor,

Thanks
The doctor told blood test report will say positive for couple of months once typhoid effected. What does this mean - is typhoid is still there or it will go away as it is... as we already taken antibiotic injection at that time eg. 24.08.2014 to 27.08.14.

Now he told antibiotic injection not required only he had given following tablets.

1. Calcol - 650MG other name written on tablet paracetamol 650MG for 4 times a day for 5 days.
2.Ofloxacin & Cefisime tablet for 2 times a day for 10 days.

Is the above treatment is okay. Please confirm.

Answered by Dr. Arun (46 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
yes continue same

Detailed Answer:
1. Yes widal will remain positive for months after cure. Does not mean that infection is present.
Only blood culture will become negative after cure.
2. Tablets are good enough as injection. Continue for 10 days

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. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju