Human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, is uncommon in children. This virus, which attacks the child's immune system, causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or AIDS, a life-threatening condition. It is important for adults to understand how a child can contract HIV to prevent transmission to their child or fetus. Parents of a child with HIV or AIDS must understand the basics of treatment and disease management.
Transmission to Younger Children
Most American children under age 13 who have HIV or AIDS contracted it in the womb or during the birthing process. Young children can also contract the virus by drinking contaminated breast milk, receiving a contaminated blood product, being sexually violated or being injected with a contaminated needle or syringe. Fortunately, the number of young children infected with HIV is small; in 2000, just over 100 young children were newly infected, reports HIV Info Source, a website maintained by the NYU Center for AIDS Research.
Transmission to Older Children
American children age 13 and over usually contract HIV through consensual or forced sexual contact. Males are often infected during sexual contact with other males. Occasionally, an older child contracts human immunodeficiency virus during intravenous drug use or some other transmission route, such as getting a tattoo with a contaminated needle.
Effects
Children are generally more susceptible to the effects of the human immunodeficiency virus than adults. A child's immune system cannot control the virus as well and his growing organs may be more vulnerable to harm, explains HIV Info Source. In addition to many of the manifestations commonly faced by HIV-positive individuals of all ages, children may be at increased risk of weight loss and recurrent infections that invade the bloodstream, lungs, ears or the protective covering of the brain. The virus can invade the brain itself, causing a child to lose developmental gains in speech, vocabulary and coordination.
Treatment
While there is currently no cure for HIV, medications can slow the progression of the illness. Children are often prescribed several medications at once to treat HIV, explains KidsHealth. A child may also take antibiotics to reduce the risk of a bacterial infection.
Considerations
A child with HIV or AIDS needs careful management of her condition by a physician well-versed in the disorder. Laboratory and physician appointments are frequent and the child may need to be protected from exposure to the viruses and bacteria commonly found in other children. However, regular social contacts are important to the child's mental health and development.
