X
theAsianparent Logo
theAsianparent Logo
  • Pregnancy
    • Due date calculator
    • I'm pregnant
    • Trying To Conceive
    • Labour
    • After birth
    • Baby loss
  • Parenting
    • Parenting & Play by Friso
    • Parent's Guide
    • Relationship & Sex
  • Ages & Stages
    • Baby
    • Toddler
    • Pre-schooler
    • Kids
    • Pre-teen & Teen
  • Feeding & Nutrition
    • Diseases-Injuries
    • Breastfeeding & Formula
    • Meal Planner
    • Health
    • Allergies & Conditions
    • Vaccinations
  • Education
    • Pre-School
    • Primary School
    • Secondary School
  • Lifestyle
    • Money
    • Travel & Leisure
    • Fashion
    • Home
    • Fitness
    • Contests & promotions
  • News
    • International
    • Health
    • Celebrity
    • Singapore
  • Money Parenting
    • Tips for Parents
    • Tips for Toddlers
    • Tips for Older Kids
    • The 5 Personas
  • TAP Recommends
  • Shopping
  • Press Releases
  • Project Sidekicks
  • Community
  • Advertise With Us
  • Contact Us
  • Become A Contributor
  • VIP

Signs And Symptoms Of Hiv In Children You May Be Missing

6 min read
Signs And Symptoms Of Hiv In Children You May Be MissingSigns And Symptoms Of Hiv In Children You May Be Missing

2015 World AIDS Day's theme being "Getting to zero; End AIDS by 2030", we share useful information about this disease to help get us closer to the goal.

456 new cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections were reported in 2014. The total number of Singaporeans with HIV is now 6,685 as the end of 2014.

Would the infection be passed on to the infant? Is there a way to prevent mother-to-child transmission? How can one deal with a child who is infected with HIV?

Definition

HIV is one of the deadliest diseases worldwide which causes AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome). It attacks the immune system by damaging the cells, rendering the body unable to fight off infections and certain types of cancer.

Signs and Symptoms of HIV

Babies and infants infected may not show signs and symptoms of HIV immediately; they initially appear healthy. So if a mother suspects she has HIV, it’s best to have herself and the baby tested.

However, in about two to three months, the following signs and symptoms of HIV will manifest:

  • Low growth rate compared to other babies his age
  • Not reaching standard developmental milestones of babies his age
  • Has an enlarged liver or spleen
  • Periodic illnesses such as colds, upset stomach, diarrhea, ear infections
  • Problems with brain or nervous system. Common symptoms are walking difficulties, occurrence of seizures and poor academic performance

Transmission

The most common ways that HIV is transmitted to a child are: perinatal or during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding. 

Other types of transmissions (which may or may not be applicable to children) are:

  • Blood 
  • Drug use. Sharing needles used to introduce drugs to the body can occur in children in as young as 10
  • Sexual interaction. Unprotected sex with someone infected with HIV
  • Other bodily fluids: semen, vaginal and rectal

Risk Factors

Having a mother who is infected with HIV and does not receive proper prenatal treatment for HIV. This is why mothers should be aware of signs and symptoms of HIV and be able to determine if they have it. Those who suspect they have it should immediately have themselves tested. 

Complications

If left untreated, HIV in children may cause:

  • Common infections of children: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection
  • Tuberculosis which is more common in developing countries

The major complication of HIV is that it can develop into AIDS.

Advanced HIV leads to opportunistic infections, which occasionally affect healthy people but are fatal for those who have weakened or compromised immune systems.

  • Pneumocystis pneumonia
  • Serious infection due to cytomegalovirus (CMV)
  • Lymphocytic interstitial pneumonitis (LIP) or lung scarring
  • Severe diaper rash or oral thrush because of Candida, a yeast infection
  • Enlarged lymph nodes

Tests and Diagnosis

  • HIV test - determines antibodies to HIV either through blood or another type of sample
  • HIV viral load - This is done after one tests positive for HIV. The purpose is determining whether HIV is increasing or not--an increase means the condition is worsening
  • CD4 cell count - Gives doctors idea on how the immune system is doing in those affected with HIV
  • Pregnancy and HIV testing

Treatments and Drugs

Untreated HIV will develop to AIDS; therefore, receiving treatment is crucial. 

Treatments for children and adults are the same: multiple medications that prevent the virus from resisting drugs; prevent or delay the onset of AIDS; prolonging the state of being free from signs and symptoms of HIV; drugs that inhibit spread of HIV from mother to child.

The drugs that treat HIV are expensive yet effective. They are usually administered, as mentioned earlier, in a combination or a cocktail of drugs. This is referred to as HAART (highly active anti retroviral therapy).

Drugs that prevent opportunistic illnesses may also be given.

Note that medications must be religiously taken as prescribed by the doctor lest the virus become resistant to the drugs, rendering the virus difficult or, worse, impossible to treat.

This makes treatment more challenging when it comes to children since it can be difficult to get them to take scheduled medications.

However, there are limitations to the treatment drugs: some are not available/administered in liquid form and others have side effects.

Note that despite the absence of signs and symptoms of HIV in children infected with the virus, doctors will recommend for them to start on medication to increase their survival rate.

Support at Home

Emotional

If a child has HIV, it is best to explain it to him in a manner that he understands. Also, as a parent, read up on HIV and AIDS to arm yourself with knowledge that can make your child more comfortable now and in his adult life, improve his quality of life and help him towards leading a normal life.

One of the best things to do is provide emotional support by always being available to answer questions the child has, or be there during times of need. Teach the child different ways to deal with stress as well by using breathing techniques or getting into hobbies.

Lastly, have your child understand everything about his condition (from signs and symptoms of HIV to complications) so that he can make healthier choices in life as well.

Consider having a psychiatrist or psychologist speak with a child who is not taking his condition, and its life-long attachment to him, well. He may also be dealing with the stigma that comes with being infected with HIV.

Here's a list of HIV counselling centers in the Singapore:

  • Health Promotion Board Tel: 1800-223 1313
  • Action for Aids (Singapore) Tel:(65) 6254 0212
  • Communicable Disease Centre Tel: (65) 6256 6011
  • DSC Clinic Tel: (65) 6293 9648 (Appointments)
    (65) 1800-252 1324 (Confidential Counselling)

Health

A child infected with HIV must be monitored to regularly receive his treatments and to ensure that any infections that are potentially life-threatening are caught early on.

If a child is taken to the emergency room, the accompanying adult must alert the staff immediately of the HIV infection. That way, the staff will be on the lookout for signs of opportunistic infections.

Prevention

For the parent: Prevent or decrease the mother-to-child infection by getting diagnosed early on and receiving treatment. A mother who receives proper care reduces the chances of her passing HIV to her baby.

Partner Stories
Changi Experience Studio’s ‘A Night at the Airport’ Family Camp and Other Fun Programmes Return to Jewel This June Holidays
Changi Experience Studio’s ‘A Night at the Airport’ Family Camp and Other Fun Programmes Return to Jewel This June Holidays
Have the Ultimate Dubai Bucket List Holiday This Summer With Emirates
Have the Ultimate Dubai Bucket List Holiday This Summer With Emirates
Experiencing Mood Swings, Irregular Periods and Weight Gain Among Other Things? Here’s What You Need to Know About Hormonal Imbalance
Experiencing Mood Swings, Irregular Periods and Weight Gain Among Other Things? Here’s What You Need to Know About Hormonal Imbalance
Say Hello to Marks & Spencer's Eggstra Special Easter Friends!
Say Hello to Marks & Spencer's Eggstra Special Easter Friends!

Antiviral treatments are given to mothers before childbirth and at the time of childbirth.

After birth, an infected mother will be discouraged from breastfeeding since doing so risks the chance of passing on HIV to her baby.

Post your comments below!

Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download theAsianparent Community on iOS or Android now!

img
Written by

theAsianparent

  • Home
  • /
  • Health
  • /
  • Signs And Symptoms Of Hiv In Children You May Be Missing
Share:
  • Child born with HIV goes into remission with a new treatment regimen

    Child born with HIV goes into remission with a new treatment regimen

  • Baby cured of HIV!

    Baby cured of HIV!

  • "It was like a bad movie." Family of 5 Jumps Off From Their Apartment in Switzerland

    "It was like a bad movie." Family of 5 Jumps Off From Their Apartment in Switzerland

  • Singapore Dad Shares How a Rare Disease Left His Children Bedridden and Tube-fed

    Singapore Dad Shares How a Rare Disease Left His Children Bedridden and Tube-fed

app info
get app banner
  • Child born with HIV goes into remission with a new treatment regimen

    Child born with HIV goes into remission with a new treatment regimen

  • Baby cured of HIV!

    Baby cured of HIV!

  • "It was like a bad movie." Family of 5 Jumps Off From Their Apartment in Switzerland

    "It was like a bad movie." Family of 5 Jumps Off From Their Apartment in Switzerland

  • Singapore Dad Shares How a Rare Disease Left His Children Bedridden and Tube-fed

    Singapore Dad Shares How a Rare Disease Left His Children Bedridden and Tube-fed

Get advice on your pregnancy and growing baby. Sign up for our newsletter
  • Pregnancy
    • Baby
    • Education
    • Events
    • Allergies & Conditions
  • Family Occasions
    • Breastfeeding & Formula
    • Child Safety
    • Health
    • Diseases-Injuries
  • Lifestyle
    • Home
    • Money
    • Feeding & Nutrition
    • Diet & Weightloss
  • Normal Delivery
    • Cesarean Delivery
    • Behaviour
    • Secondary School
    • Formula Feeding
  • Ages & Stages
    • Latching & Concerns
    • Festivals & Holidays
    • Education
    • Pre-teen & Teen
  • More
    • TAP Community
    • Advertise With Us
    • Contact Us
    • Become a Contributor


  • Singapore flag Singapore
  • Thailand flag Thailand
  • Indonesia flag Indonesia
  • Philippines flag Philippines
  • Malaysia flag Malaysia
  • Sri-Lanka flag Sri Lanka
  • India flag India
  • Vietnam flag Vietnam
  • Australia flag Australia
  • Japan flag Japan
  • Nigeria flag Nigeria
  • Kenya flag Kenya
© Copyright theAsianparent 2022. All rights reserved
About Us|Team|Privacy Policy|Terms of Use |Sitemap HTML
  • Tools
  • Articles
  • Feed
  • Poll

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

theAsianparent heart icon
We’d like to send you notifications for the latest news and lifestyle updates.