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HIV can only be transmitted by specific activities, and it may need to be considered in the following situations:

1. Penile penetration (vaginal and anal)
2. Vertical transmission from mother to baby in pregnancy, at the birth and through breast feeding
3. Used needles and syringes
4. Oral sex - very low risk, unless persons have mouth ulcers, bleeding gums, cuts in the mouth

New infections with HIV in childhood that are not from the mother are very rare.

Injecting drugs by itself is not necessarily indicative of exposure to risk of HIV infection - it is the sharing of drug using equipment that is risky and the risk of a sharp injury.  Information relating to the nature and extent of the Parent's drug use should be sought from the Parent and from other agencies with the knowledge of the Parents.

In circumstances where children and Parents share concerns about HIV, these should be responded to by sensitive discussion of the reasons for their concern. If penetration or oral sex has not taken place, then reassurance can be given that it is highly unlikely that the child will have been exposed to HIV.

Where it is known that penetration or oral sex has taken place, it is still unlikely that the child has been exposed to HIV.

In either situation, the child and/or Parents may require specialist advice to help them weigh up the potential risks and to make future decisions.

It should be borne in mind that children may not talk about the full extent of the abuse they have experienced, especially during the initial investigation.

The decision to have a HIV test is a major step but it must be emphasised that HIV is a treatable disease. Treatments available offer children long-term healthy lives. Please refer to HIV and AIDS Procedure for information about testing.

End