Flu and cough are common illnesses among infants, especially during cold seasons or when a child’s immune system is still developing. While these conditions often worry parents, breastfeeding has been shown to play a vital role in supporting a baby’s recovery. Breast milk contains powerful antibodies, nutrients, and protective factors that help infants fight infections naturally (Ballard & Morrow 2013). This article discusses the causes of flu and cough in infants, the role of breast milk in managing these illnesses, and what caregivers can do when a baby has difficulty breastfeeding due to discomfort or other reasons.
Causes of Flu and Cough in Infants
Flu, medically known as influenza, is a viral infection that primarily affects the respiratory system. It is caused by the influenza virus, which spreads through droplets from coughing, sneezing, or close contact with infected individuals (World Health Organization [WHO], 2022). Babies are particularly vulnerable because their immune systems are still maturing.
Cough in infants may accompany flu or be caused by other viral respiratory infections such as the common cold, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), or adenovirus (Mayo Clinic, 2023). Irritants such as smoke, dust, and strong perfumes may also trigger coughing. Because infants breathe mostly through their noses, nasal congestion from flu or colds can make feeding, sleeping, and breathing difficult and it becomes stressful to the parents because it affects their daily work since they are mostly tired from sleepless nights.
Additional risk factors for infant flu and cough include exposure to sick individuals, attending day-care, changes in weather, and low immunity due to poor nutrition or underlying health conditions (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2023). Babies under six months cannot receive the flu vaccine, making natural protection such as breastfeeding extremely important.
The Role of Breast Milk in Fighting Flu and Cough
Breast milk is one of the most powerful natural defences for infants, especially when they are sick. It provides essential nutrients, immunological protection, and hydration, all crucial for recovery (Ballard & Morrow 2013).
One of the most important components of breast milk is antibodies, particularly immunoglobulin A (IgA). These antibodies coat the baby’s nose, throat, and lungs, preventing viruses from attaching to and invading the body’s cells (Lawrence & Lawrence, 2021). When a breastfeeding mother is exposed to viruses, her body produces specific antibodies that are passed directly to the infant through breast milk. This means breast milk constantly adapts to protect the baby from the exact germs present in their environment.
Breast milk also contains antiviral and antibacterial factors such as lactoferrin, lysozyme, and human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), which help fight pathogens and reduce inflammation in a baby’s respiratory system (Victora et al., 2016). These compounds help soothe the throat, reduce congestion, and prevent complications like dehydration and pneumonia.
Additionally, breastfeeding keeps the baby well-hydrated, which is essential when fighting flu and cough. Hydration helps thin mucus, making it easier for the infant to breathe and clear congestion. Breastfed infants are also less likely to experience severe respiratory symptoms compared to formula-fed infants due to the immune protection breast milk offers (Mayo Clinic, 2023).
Furthermore, breastfeeding provides comfort and emotional security. A sick baby often becomes restless or irritable, and breastfeeding can soothe and calm the child, helping with sleep and faster recovery.
For working mothers, taking a day off from work to increase high milk intake may also help.
What to Do if the Baby Is Not Taking Breast Milk
Sometimes a baby with flu or cough may struggle to breastfeed. Nasal congestion, fever, sore throat, or fatigue can make feeding uncomfortable. In such cases, caregivers can use the following strategies:
1. Clear the Baby’s Nose Before Feeding
Using a saline nasal spray or drops followed by gentle suctioning can help open the baby’s nasal passages. Babies feed better when they can breathe comfortably through the nose (CDC, 2023).
2. Try More Upright Feeding Positions
Feeding the baby in a slightly upright position reduces nasal congestion and makes swallowing easier. It also helps prevent choking or coughing during breastfeeding.
3. Increase the Frequency of Short Feeds
Instead of long breastfeeding sessions, offering shorter but more frequent feeds can help the baby maintain nutrition and hydration without overexertion.
4. Offer Expressed Breast Milk
If the baby refuses direct breastfeeding due to discomfort, a caregiver may express milk and offer it through a spoon, cup, or syringe. This ensures the baby continues to receive the immunity-boosting components of breast milk (Lawrence & Lawrence, 2021).
5. Maintain Milk Supply
If the infant is breastfeeding less, the mother should continue pumping regularly to maintain her milk supply until the baby resumes normal feeding.
6. Seek Medical Care When Necessary
If the baby shows signs of dehydration, high fever, difficulty breathing, persistent vomiting, or refusal to feed for more than six hours, medical attention is essential (WHO, 2022).
Home Remedies Not Meant for Infants
Infants require special caution when it comes to home remedies and over-the-counter products, as their bodies are still developing and more vulnerable to harm. For example, honey should never be given to babies under one year because it can contain Clostridium botulinum spores, which may cause infant botulism (CDC, 2023). Similarly, herbal mixtures are not recommended, as infants’ kidneys are not yet mature enough to process concentrated herbal compounds safely (AAP, 2022). Parents should also avoid using vapor rubs on babies younger than two years, as these products may irritate the airways and worsen breathing difficulties (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2022). Essential oils should not be applied directly to an infant’s skin, since they can trigger irritation, chemical burns, or allergic reactions (NCCIH, 2023). Additionally, giving extra water to babies younger than six months is unsafe, because it increases the risk of water intoxication and can interfere with nutrient absorption from breast milk or formula (CDC, 2022).
Breastfeeding is one of the most powerful natural ways to support an infant when they have flu or cough. Breast milk offers unmatched protection through antibodies, immune-boosting factors, nutrients, and hydration. While flu and cough are common among babies due to viral exposure and developing immunity, breast milk plays a vital role in reducing symptoms and speeding up recovery. When a baby refuses breastfeeding due to illness, caregivers can use gentle strategies such as clearing nasal passages, offering expressed milk, and feeding more frequently. With proper care, breastfeeding provides both nourishment and healing, making it a crucial tool in supporting infant health.
References
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2022). Infant care and safety guidelines. AAP Publications.
Ballard, O., & Morrow, A. L. (2013). Human milk composition: Nutrients and bioactive factors. Pediatric Clinics of North America, 60(1), 49–74.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Water safety for infants. CDC.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Influenza in infants.
Lawrence, R. M., & Lawrence, R. A. (2021). Breastfeeding: A guide for the medical profession.
Mayo Clinic. (2023). Infant flu symptoms and treatment.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2023). Essential oils and aromatherapy: Safety considerations. NCCIH.
Victora, C. G., et al. (2016). Breastfeeding and health outcomes. The Lancet, 387(10017), 475–490.
World Health Organization. (2022). Influenza (Seasonal).
