In this article
- Causes of HIV in Children
- Symptoms of HIV/AIDS in Children
- Treatments for Child HIV and AIDS
- Coping With AIDS
Coping With AIDS
Finding out that your child is infected with HIV is frightening. One way to cope with fear of the unknown is to learn as much as you can about HIV and AIDS. The more you know, the better you will be able to take care of your child.
To allay your child's fears, discuss the disease in an age-appropriate manner. Let your child know it is important to take medicine -- possibly for the rest of his or her life -- to keep from getting sick.
When complications develop, know how to treat them and keep your child comfortable. For example:
- Loss of appetite. Offer a variety of foods through the day, avoiding foods such as carbonated drinks that can create gas in the stomach and make your child feel bloated.
- Diarrhea. Give your child plenty of fluids, including soups, fruit juice diluted with water, and an oral rehydration solution. Offer soft, moist foods such as mashed potations, squash, pumpkins, and carrots. Avoid fatty, sweet foods.
- Cough and cold. Allow your child to rest. Offer plenty of water and other fluids. Clean clogged nasal passages by filling a large bowl or pot with very hot water and having your child breathe in the vapors.
For help dealing emotionally with a child's HIV diagnosis, speak to a member of the clergy or mental health professional or contact an organization that offers support and services for children with HIV/AIDs and their families. Several that offer summer camps for kids with HIV and other services are:
One Heartland
Camp Kindle
Sunburst Projects