The symptoms of HIV in the baby are more frequent in the children of mothers with the HIV virus, especially when they do not carry out the treatment correctly during pregnancy.
Symptoms are difficult to perceive, but persistent fever, frequent infections and delayed development and growth may be indicative of the presence of the HIV virus in the baby.
Main symptoms
The symptoms of HIV in the baby are difficult to identify, however it can be indicative of the presence of the HIV virus in the baby:
- Recurrent breathing problems, such as sinusitis; Swollen tongue in different parts of the body; Infections of the mouth, such as oral candidiasis or thrush; Delayed development and growth; Frequent diarrhea; Persistent fever; Serious infections, such as pneumonia or meningitis.
Symptoms of the presence of HIV in the baby's bloodstream most often appear around 4 months of age, but it can take up to 6 years to appear, and treatment should be done according to the pediatrician's guidance.
Baby HIV Treatment
The treatment for HIV in the baby is done according to the guidance of an infectologist or by the pediatrician, and the use of syrup antiviral drugs is usually indicated, since at this age the baby is unable to swallow pills.
Treatment is usually started as soon as symptoms appear, shortly after the diagnosis is confirmed, or when the child is over 1 year old and has a weakened immune system. According to the baby's response to treatment, the doctor may make some changes to the therapeutic strategy according to the baby's evolution.
In addition, during treatment, it is recommended that powdered milk formulas are used to help strengthen the immune system, follow the vaccination plan and prevent the baby from coming into contact with children with chicken pox or pneumonia, for example, because there is a chance of developing the disease. The mother can feed the baby with breast milk as long as she is not carrying the HIV virus.
