• Sharing toys- Toys can be shared as normally as sharing toys does not transmit HIV. However if a child who is HIV positive has put a toy in his/her mouth, the toy should be thoroughly washed in soap and water before another child plays with it.

• Injuries and Accidents- HIV transmission due to accidents and injuries may occur only if -

- There is a bleeding wound or oozing skin lesion in HIV infected child.
- Presence in a susceptible child of a skin lesion or exposed area that could serve as a portal for systemic entry of the virus.
- Sustained contact between the portal of entry of the susceptible child and infective material. Thus fresh blood to blood transmission is extremely rare.

In case of cuts and sores in an HIV +ve child, the area should be washed immediately with soap and water. Caretaker should wear disposable gloves and clean the blood spills as discussed earlier. The wound should be immediately cleaned with an antiseptic and closed dressing with gauze and bandage should be done. Waste should be disposed in a leak- proof plastic bag. Tetanus toxoid and tetanus immune globulin may be administered if vaccination of the child is incomplete.

• Sharing information - Parents are not obligated to tell school authorities or friends about the child's HIV status if they fear discrimination. However, universal precautions have to be advocated.
   Disclosure to the children of the nature of their illness is essential. Information given should be according to the child's development level to ensure child's acceptance of the disease and he/she should follow the precautions to prevent spread to others.

Thus it is important for caretakers to develop heath policies that include universal precautions and proper hygiene for all children. These precautions decrease the risk of transmission of not only HIV but also other infections. Infact the risk for other infections is far greater than that of HIV virus.

Last created on 10-11-2002
Last updated on 18-11-2006