Up to 3.7 million kids under 19 years old are infected with HIV, the virus that can lead to AIDS. Most cases are in sub-Saharan Africa and it is the leading cause of death among children and teens. HIV is a virus that damages your immune system, so you can’t fight infections and some cancers well. Proper treatment and support can help kids grow up and live lengthier lives.
What Causes HIV in Children?
Most children who have HIV got it from their mothers when they were pregnant, during the birth process, or from breastfeeding. Women who are tested, and then stick with treatment if they are positive, reduce the risk of passing the infection to the unborn child. Medications and proper care treatment during pregnancy is the best way to avoid passing the condition.
HIV in Children Older than 18 Months
When fetuses develop within the womb, they receive nourishment from the pregnant parent through the placenta. If the pregnant parent has HIV, the placenta also transfers HIV antibodies to the fetus. As a result, the infant will test positive for the antibodies at birth. After birth, antibodies for HIV from the birthing parent can remain in the blood for up to 18 months. Doctors use the HIV antibody test to make a diagnosis as the child ages.
What are the Symptoms of HIV in Children
An infant may not have any obvious symptoms at first. As the immune system weakens, you may start to notice:
- Lack of energy and delayed growth
- Slow development
- Persistent fever and sweating
- Persistent diarrhea and enlarged lymph nodes
- Weight loss
- Repeated infections that does not respond to treatment
Symptoms vary from child to child and with age. Children and teens may have:
- Oral and skin rash
- Frequent yeast infection
- Enlarged liver
- Kidney and lung problem
- Memory and concentration problems
- Benign or malignant tumors
Proper HIV Management to Affected Children
The standard treatment for HIV is ART. Practitioners recommend this for people of all ages, including children. Children can live longer, healthier lives when they receive early treatment, say experts. The dose for children may depend on weight rather than age. Doctors may prescribe ART in liquid form if the child is too young to swallow a pill.
Several factors may affect adherence, which refers to taking the medication consistently. Children may refuse treatment because of an unpleasant taste, or they may be reluctant to take it because of side effects. When HIV is contracted during pregnancy or birth, the prognosis is less favorable than when it is contracted while breastfeeding. They need ART very quickly to prevent death.