HIV-AIDS and your child

There are many misunderstandings and myths about HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) which causes AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome).

In children, most HIV infections are passed from mother to child during pregnancy, labour and delivery or during breastfeeding.

The question of whether your child can get HIV if blood splashes into his eyes or mouth has been raised before, and is indeed possible though it mainly occurs among health care workers.

However, blood in the mouth carries an even lower risk. The lining of the mouth is very protective, so the only way HIV could enter the bloodstream would be if the person had a cut, open sore or area of inflammation (swelling) somewhere in their mouth or throat (if the blood was swallowed).

Some have suggested that a child can contract HIV through biting. Infection with HIV in this way is unusual, except where severe tissue tearing and damage occurs. A child cannot be infected with HIV through contact with animals such as dogs and cats. HIV only affects humans.

Some people have expressed concern that a child could become infected if scratched by an animal that has previously scratched an HIV positive person. This is exceptionally unlikely. The same applies to HIV acquisition from a mosquito bite. The answer is NO, it is not possible to get HIV from mosquitoes.

Some parents are also concerned whether HIV can be transmitted in household settings? HIV is not transmitted through everyday social contact, except in cases where family members share sharp objects like razors used in shaving. An HIV-infected pregnant woman can pass the virus on to her unborn baby either before or during birth.

HIV can also be passed on during breastfeeding.

While taking anti-retroviral drugs reduces the risk of the child acquiring HIV from the mother, this risk is not completely eliminated.

There has also been concern whether by receiving a transfusion, your child can acquire HIV. It is indeed possible. However, all the blood and blood products used for transfusions are tested for HIV.

Male circumcision reduces HIV acquisition by 60 per cent, therefore, it is important that your male child be circumcised.

photo:www.naacp.org