What are the symptoms of HIV in infant and children?

Infants may experience symptoms like inadequate weight gain, intermittent diarrhoea, and pneumonia.

Later, symptoms may include a broad array of health conditions, depending on the intensity of the HIV.

The source of HIV spread in children is usually the parent who has birthed them.

Exposure to the virus may happen in the womb, during childbirth, or when breastfeeding.

Treatment of HIV in infants and children is the same as for adults with HIV, that is treatment is received through antiretroviral therapy (ART).

If an infant has an intense case of HIV, the risk of death within the first few months is high even with treatment.

Afterwards, the chance of death lowers quickly, and the long-term risk is low.