HIV is a dangerous disease but can be well controlled if detected and treated early and aggressively. So, for young people with weak resistance, how long can HIV-infected children live?
1. Is HIV curable?
HIV is a virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Currently, there is no cure or vaccine for HIV. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the only treatment available to slow down the replication of the HIV virus in the body, protect the immune system, reduce the risk of opportunistic infections, and improve the quality of life and lifespan of people living with HIV. With consistent and adequate medication, many people with HIV can live up to 50 years.
2. How long do HIV-positive children live?
Children are defined as individuals under the age of 18, with a specific legal definition of under 16 in our country. In terms of HIV, HIV-infected children can be categorized into two groups: those infected at birth (mother-to-child transmission) and those infected due to risky behaviors (sexual activity, injecting drug use, etc.).
Infants born with HIV are at a much higher risk of infection. In the early stages of life, when the immune system is not yet fully developed, HIV-infected children have a higher risk of illness and death than healthy children.
2.1 In the group of infants infected with HIV from birth
How long can HIV-infected children live? A study in Africa indicated that without antiretroviral therapy, around 35.2% of HIV-positive children will die within the first year of life, compared to only 4.9% of healthy children. By the age of two, the mortality rate among HIV-infected children reaches 52.5%, while it's only 7.5% for HIV-negative children.
Some HIV experts believe that infants infected with HIV without early antiretroviral therapy (ART) are unlikely to survive their first year. However, with advancements in early diagnosis through PCR testing and early ART initiation for infants under 2 years old, morbidity and mortality rates have significantly decreased. Many children born with HIV are now living into adulthood.
In conjunction with other interventions such as HIV screening for pregnant women and prevention of mother-to-child transmission, the nation's health system is striving to halt the transmission of HIV from mothers to their children.
Watch now: Caring and nurturing newborn babies with HIV-infected mothers
2.2 In the group of children HIV due to risky behavior
The survival rate of HIV-infected children who engage in risky behaviors is a pressing concern. The WHO reports that the rising HIV prevalence in this population is linked to various factors including conflict, poverty, and substance use, which increase their vulnerability. Furthermore, a lack of comprehensive sexual health education exacerbates the situation.
Despite similar mortality rates to the general population, children in this group are particularly vulnerable to death. This is often attributed to factors such as lifestyle, socioeconomic conditions, and delayed access to HIV care, leading to poorer health outcomes.
3. How to care for and nurture children born to HIV-infected mothers
In HIV-infected mothers, because HIV virus can be transmitted through breast milk to babies, the choice of infant feeding method should pay attention to:
Do not breastfeed the baby but use a complete milk substitute to reduce transmission of HIV from mother to child and ensure the baby's growth. It is crucial to use clean water and thoroughly sterilized feeding equipment, maintaining strict hygiene.
In cases where formula feeding is not feasible, exclusive breastfeeding until 6 months of age, followed by early weaning (preferably after the baby is 3 months old). It is imperative to avoid mixed feeding, as this practice can disrupt the infant's gastrointestinal and immunological systems, thereby elevating the risk of vertical HIV transmission.
Attention when breastfeeding:
- Thoroughly clean the nipples before breastfeeding;
- Breastfeed properly, avoid cracking or inflammation of the mother's nipples;
- If the child has an infection of the oral cavity or the mother has a skin infection, it is necessary to completely cure the above conditions before feeding the baby directly;
- When the child stops breastfeeding, it is necessary to feed the baby with alternative foods such as milk powder, porridge, powder, etc. to provide the necessary nutrients for the baby;
- The mother must be on antiretroviral therapy and good adherence to ensure that the HIV viral load is at a safe level.
Notes when caring for children born to HIV-infected mothers:
- Give the baby ARV within 24 hours after birth as prescribed by the doctor to reduce the risk of HIV transmission from mother to child;
- Guide the mother to bring the child for a confirmatory HIV test;
- Bring the child to a pediatric facility for advice on feeding and caring for the baby, prescription and supply of Cotrimoxazole to prevent pneumonia when the baby is 4-6 weeks old, monitoring and treating opportunistic infections, and assessing the child's development;
- Advise on a suitable immunization schedule for the child.
How long an HIV-infected child can live depends on their age and the quality of care and treatment they receive. It is best for HIV patients to cooperate with their doctor throughout the treatment process to improve their quality of life and extend their lifespan.
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