DIAGNOSIS
Mother to child HIV transmission may be detected in an infant from 1-6 months old with the use of viral diagnostic tests. These types of tests check for the HIV virus generated by the body rather than antibodies to the virus; the antibody test is used to identify the majority of people. Because neonates carry HIV antibodies from their mothers in their blood for a period, additional testing is required.
TREATMENT
With HIV antiretroviral medicines, HIV-positive infants and children can be treated. Although these medications will not cure HIV, they will reduce its progression and extend a person’s life. Children with HIV should see their doctor on a frequent basis to ensure they are receiving the correct drugs and immunizations.
Prevention
If you have an HIV-positive partner and are considering pregnancy, discuss PrEP with your healthcare physician (pre-exposure prophylaxis). Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) may be an option to prevent you and your unborn child from contracting HIV while trying to conceive, during pregnancy, or while breastfeeding.
Following delivery, you can prevent HIV transmission to your newborn by feeding him or her formula or pasteurized human milk from a milk bank. This method is advised if a detectable viral load is present.
Meanwhile, if you have an undetectable viral load throughout pregnancy and intend to breastfeed, you can discuss this with your healthcare practitioner and devise a strategy for doing so safely.
