Table of Contents
How can HIV affect a newborn baby?
During pregnancy, HIV can pass through the placenta and infect the fetus. During labor and delivery, the baby may be exposed to the virus from a woman’s blood and other fluids. When a woman goes into labor, the amniotic sac breaks (her water breaks). Once this occurs, the risk of transmitting HIV to the baby increases.
How long can a newborn live with HIV?
Without antiretroviral therapy (ART), mortality in infants with HIV reaches between 50 and 65% by the age of 2 years. Three-quarters of these deaths could be prevented with prompt ART, but this requires early infant diagnosis.
Is it safe to take ARVs while pregnant?
Yes. All pregnant women with HIV should take HIV medicines throughout pregnancy for their own health and to prevent perinatal transmission of HIV. (HIV medicines are called antiretrovirals.)
Can I breastfeed while taking Arvs?
Mothers who are on consistent antiretroviral treatment (ARV) throughout the breastfeeding period have an extremely low risk of transmitting HIV to their babies. Supporting an HIV-positive woman’s ability to breastfeed through ARV treatment and lactation counseling gives children the lifesaving benefits of breastmilk.
How long does a child take nevirapine after birth?
Infants receive their last dose of NVP at either 24 weeks of age or 1 week after breast-feeding cessation, whichever occurs first, and have follow-up visits until the infant is 32 weeks old.
Can I take antibiotics while on ARVs?
You should be fine to take cephalexin with your current HIV meds. There are no reported interactions. However, if you experience any symptoms after you have started taking these drugs you should contact your HIV doctor as soon as possible.
When does a baby stop taking nevirapine?
Women are counseled to stop breast-feeding their infants by the end of 6 months. Infants receive their last dose of NVP at either 24 weeks of age or 1 week after breast-feeding cessation, whichever occurs first, and have follow-up visits until the infant is 32 weeks old.