HIV living with treatment in children

Overview

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system, which fights off infections. With modern medicine, children living with HIV can take daily treatment that keeps the virus under control, allowing them to grow up healthy and strong.

HIV is not common in children in most parts of the world, but it remains a concern in some communities. With proper treatment, it is a manageable condition.

HIV can affect children of any age, from infants to teenagers, especially those born to mothers living with HIV who did not receive treatment during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Many children with well-controlled HIV have no symptoms at all.
• Some may have mild symptoms like swollen lymph nodes (small bumps in the neck, armpits, or groin).
• Occasional tiredness or mild fevers can happen.

Symptoms in children

• Slow growth or delayed development (not gaining weight or height as expected).
• Frequent infections such as ear infections, colds, or pneumonia.
• Unexplained fevers or night sweats.

Causes

Main causes

• HIV is most often passed from a mother to her child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding when the mother has HIV and is not on treatment.
• Very rarely, children can get HIV through contaminated blood transfusions or needle injuries.

Risk factors

• Being born to a mother with HIV who is not taking HIV treatment
• Breastfeeding from a mother with HIV who is not on treatment
• Living in areas where HIV is more common and access to prevention is limited

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If your child has a high fever that does not come down with fever medication
• If your child is breathing very fast or seems very tired and weak

Book a routine appointment if:

• All children with HIV should have regular check-ups with a doctor or HIV specialist to monitor their health and treatment.
• Blood tests every few months to check virus levels and immune system health.

Diagnosis

HIV is diagnosed with a blood test that looks for the virus or antibodies (proteins the body makes to fight the virus). In infants, a special test (PCR) can detect the virus directly.

Tests that may be done

• HIV antibody test (for older children and adults)
• HIV viral load test (measures amount of virus in the blood)
• CD4 count (measures immune system strength)

What to expect at your appointment

Testing is simple and safe. If your child tests positive, a doctor will explain the results and talk about treatment. You will have time to ask questions and get support.

Treatment

HIV treatment for children is called antiretroviral therapy (ART). It's a combination of medicines taken every day that control the virus. With good adherence, the virus becomes undetectable and the child stays healthy.

Self-care at home

• Give the medicines exactly as prescribed, every day, at the same time.
• Keep a medicine diary or use a phone alarm to help remember doses.
• Encourage healthy eating and plenty of sleep to support the immune system.

Medical treatments

Treatment involves a combination of antiretroviral drugs chosen specifically for a child's weight, age, and health. These are usually taken as pills or liquids. The doctor will monitor how well the treatment is working with regular blood tests and adjust the prescription if needed.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not a treatment for HIV itself. However, if a child with HIV needs surgery for other reasons, the medical team will take extra precautions to protect the immune system and prevent infections.

Living with this condition

Children with HIV can go to school, play sports, and have friends. The main daily task is taking the medicine on time. It helps to make it part of a routine, like with meals. Talk openly with your child about HIV in age-appropriate ways so they understand their condition and feel supported.

Lifestyle tips

• Build a strong support network with family, friends, and healthcare providers.
• Teach your child to wash hands well to prevent infections.
• Avoid sharing toothbrushes or anything that might have blood on it.

Diet and exercise

A healthy diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and protein helps keep the immune system strong. Regular physical activity like walking, biking, or playing sports is good for overall health and mood.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with HIV can sometimes cause worry, sadness, or stigma for both the child and the family. It's important to talk about feelings and seek help if needed. If your child feels very sad, anxious, or hopeless, reach out to a mental health professional or crisis support line right away.

Prevention

Yes, mother-to-child transmission of HIV can be prevented in most cases. If a pregnant mother with HIV takes treatment during pregnancy, childbirth, and avoids breastfeeding, the risk of passing HIV to her baby is less than 1%. Safe blood transfusions and avoiding needle sharing also prevent HIV.

Vaccines

Children with HIV should receive all routine vaccinations, but some live vaccines may need to be delayed if the immune system is weak. Your doctor will advise on a safe vaccine schedule.

Screening programmes

Pregnant women are often tested for HIV early in pregnancy so that treatment can start right away if needed. Newborns of mothers with HIV are tested shortly after birth and then again in the first few months.

Complications

If left untreated

• Weakened immune system leading to serious infections (called opportunistic infections), such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, or severe diarrhea.
• Slow growth and development delays.
• Damage to the brain and nervous system over time.

Long-term outlook

With today's treatment, children with HIV can expect to live long, healthy lives. Their life expectancy is almost the same as children without HIV. The key is to start treatment early, take it every day, and have regular medical care. There is every reason to be hopeful.

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