Re: HSV (for Dr. Shanahan)
From: Harvey S. Marchbein, M.D. (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Sun, 10 Mar 2002 17:35:07 -0600 (CST)
Dr. Shanahan is correct. And Maggie, you already know you cannot get
an infection from antibodies. the infectious part is the antigen, not
the antibody.
Hope this helps and write back anytime for more information.
Dr. M
At Sun, 10 Mar 2002, Maggie, wrote:
>
>Hi Dr. Shanahan!
>
>Just a question about getting herpes from breast feeding....we just
>learned about this in school, and the prof said it not only possible,
>but common. Are there different facts on this??? Not trying to be
>argumentative, just curious! :)
>
>He said the antibodies could be passed thru breast milk and that the
>child could then develop outbreaks as a result of the antibodies if the
>kid were to be under lots of stress from surgery, physical trauma, etc.
>
>Thanks!!
>
>--
>Maggie
>
>At Fri, 8 Mar 2002, M. Kelly Shanahan, MD, FACOG wrote:
>>
>>Abbey is right -- unless you get the virus itself, you don't get herpes.
>>NOW, if you have a herpes lesion on your breast, then yes, the baby
>>could get herpes from breastfeeding.
>>
>>At Fri, 8 Mar 2002, Abbey wrote:
>>>
>>>Actually, your baby cannot acquire herpes simply through acquiring
>>>antibodies to the virus from breast milk. You would have to have virus
>>>present on your breast- meaning an active lesion on the breast at the
>>>time that you feed him (it's not common, but possible.) Check out this
>>>website about herpes and breastfeeding for more info and guidelines:
>>>http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/baby/babybreastfeed/8685.html
>>>
>>>At Fri, 8 Mar 2002, Maggie, wrote:
>>>>
>>>>At Fri, 8 Mar 2002, Kate wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>Hi,
>>>>>
>>>>>Can herpes be transmitted through breastmilk?
>>>>>
>>>>>--
>>>>>Kate
>>>>>
>>>>Kate,
>>>>
>>>>The antibodies to the virus can be transmitted to the baby thru breast
>>>>milk.
>>>>
>>>>The antibodies remain in the body forever, and will show up on a blood
>>>>test.
>>>>
>>>>The child can have outbreaks since he or she has the antibodies. This
>>>>usually only happens if the child is under stress or has surgery, etc.
>>>>
>>>>So, yes, herpes can be passed thru breast milk!
>>>>
>>>>Take care,
>>>>
>>>>--
>>>>Maggie
>>>>
>>>>--
>>>>Maggie Beth Anderson
>>>>Medical Student at University of Washington
>>>>
>>--
>>M. Kelly Shanahan, MD, FACOG
>>S. Lake Tahoe, CA
>>
>>author of "Your Over-35 Week-by-Week Pregnancy Guide"
>>
>>**this is for general educational purposes only and does not supplant the need for you to consult with your own physician**
>>***private e-mails WILL NOT be answered***
>>
>--
>Maggie Beth Anderson
>Medical Student at University of Washington
>
--
Harvey S. Marchbein, M.D. FACOG, FACS
Great Neck, New York
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