For Parents of HIV+ Children:

For Parents of HIV+ Children:

My Child And Others
Many parents worry that their child with HIV could infect others. People do not catch HIV by living in the same house as an adult or child with HIV infection, going to playgroup or school, or sharing toys, food and drink with someone who is infected. Pets and insects cannot pass on the virus.

HIV is a fragile virus and dies very easily outside the body. However, this is not always the case with other viruses and bacteria. It is therefore important for everyone to use good hygiene, such as washing hands with soap and water, to prevent the spread of other infections, especially to your child.

The only extra care you should take is with blood. Wearing gloves is necessary only when dealing with blood or bloodstained fluids. It is not necessary to wear gloves when bathing a baby or changing diapers.

After cleaning a cut, cover sores and cuts with a bandage for 24 hours, or until a scab has formed. If splashes of blood get on anybody's skin, eyes or mouth, wash the blood off as soon as possible. Soak any bloodstained clothes in cold water first, and then use ordinary laundry soap or detergent in the normal way. Clean up any spilled blood with disposable paper towels or tissues and throw it away in a plastic bag. Use hot soapy water to clean the area, or some diluted bleach (one part bleach to nine parts water) and dispose of the dirty paper or tissues as you normally would.

Since HIV is not transmitted by saliva, dishes and utensils can be washed and dried in the usual way. Babies' bottles should be washed and sterilized in the normal way.

Parents of children with HIV should also be mindful to how difficult it is for kids to take their medicines correctly, when playing with others. Think about problem times and plan ahead. Special instructions may make it hard for you to give your child their medicine. School time, play or daily activities may not fit with their medicine times. Taking medicine in public or in a social situation may cause embarrassment or emotional distress. Going on vacation, trips or camps may make it difficult to stick to their medicine schedule.