3.30 MB - Academy of Medicine of Malaysia
3.30 MB - Academy of Medicine of Malaysia
3.30 MB - Academy of Medicine of Malaysia
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MANAGEMENT OF HIV INFECTION IN CHILDREN<br />
6.2 AGE APPROPRIATE EDUCATIONAL & LIFESTYLE ADVICE FOR<br />
CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS<br />
HIV infected children, adolescents and their caregivers should be given<br />
appropriate advice regarding behaviour and lifestyle to minimize the risk <strong>of</strong><br />
HIV transmission. The advice provided must be appropriate to the age and<br />
maturity <strong>of</strong> the child.<br />
The risk <strong>of</strong> a young child infecting others is extremely small. Although HIV<br />
has been isolated in the saliva, tears, urine and faeces, there is no evidence<br />
246, Level 9<br />
that HIV can be acquired through casual contact with these sources.<br />
Families and caregivers should be assured that sharing <strong>of</strong> household<br />
utensils, linen, clothes, personal hygiene products and close daily interactions<br />
(including kissing) are safe and do not result in the transmission <strong>of</strong> HIV.<br />
Having an infected child in a day-care centre or school poses no risk to staff<br />
or other children. No case has ever been recorded <strong>of</strong> HIV transmission from<br />
child to child by playing, fighting or any other normal childhood interaction.<br />
Although biting poses a theoretical risk <strong>of</strong> transmission, the risk is believed<br />
to be extremely low. 249, Level 9 ; 250, Level 9 If an infected child has a cut or graze, this<br />
should be dealt with in the normal manner following first aid procedures and<br />
standard hygiene practices. Schools should be assisted to develop a norm<br />
in which universal or standard precautions for infection control are routinely<br />
employed by staff and students (see Appendix 9 for additional resources).<br />
As the child grows up into adolescence, several pertinent issues must be<br />
addressed (see following table). Disclosure <strong>of</strong> the diagnosis is important and<br />
frank and open discussion is vital so he/she can participate in decisions<br />
regarding treatments, care and prevention <strong>of</strong> transmission to others. Specific<br />
issues regarding lifestyle or behaviour that potentially could transmit HIV,<br />
especially sexual activity and substance abuse must be addressed. These<br />
prevention messages should be regularly provided to HIV infected<br />
adolescents at every opportunity.<br />
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