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What is the risk of a newborn being infected if the mother has COVID-19?
Current evidence suggests that the risk of a newborn getting COVID-19 from their mother is low, especially when the mother takes steps (such as wearing a mask and her washing hands) to prevent spread before and during care of the newborn.
What should I do to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 to my newborn?
See full answerIf you are in isolation for COVID-19 and are sharing a room with your newborn, take the following precautions to reduce the risk of spreading the virus to your newborn:• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before holding or caring for your newborn. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60\% alcohol.• Wear a mask when within 6 feet of your newborn.• Keep your newborn more than 6 feet away from you as much as possible.• Discuss with your healthcare provider about using a physical barrier (for example, placing the newborn in an incubator) while in the hospital.
Can a newborn get COVID-19?
• Some newborns have tested positive for COVID-19 shortly after birth. We don’t know if these newborns got the virus before, during, or after birth. • Most newborns who tested positive for COVID-19 had mild or no symptoms and recovered. Reports say some newborns developed severe COVID-19 illness.
Can I take care of my newborn if I have COVID-19 and there is no healthy caregiver?
If a healthy caregiver is not available, you can care for your newborn if you are well enough.- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before touching for your newborn. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60\% alcohol.- Wear a mask when within 6 feet of your newborn and other people during your entire isolation period. The mask helps prevent you from spreading the virus to others.
What are the symptoms of newborns infected with COVID-19?
Studies have reported mainly no symptoms or mild disease from COVID-19 in infected newborns, with low risk of neonatal death.