Precautions For Children With Hiv Family Member Posted: 09-23-07 23:17pm
I just recently found out that my
children's grandmother (their fathers
mother) is HIV positive. I by no means
want to eliminate her contact with her
grandchildren, however I do believe that a
basic understanding needs to be
established before hand.
Their father and I can not seem to agree
on the matter at hands and instead it's
causing huge disagreements. Our children
are ages 4 and 1. So needless to say, they
are active, they fall, they constantly are
scrapped and scratched.
My 1 year old is a typical toddler
--putting everything in her mouth, etc.
They're just normal children.
I have asked that the children not be left
alone with her. For one, they are just not
old enough to understand and should
something happen (she has epilespy as well
for example), not be able to take the
precautions needed.
I've also asked that they not eat or drink
after her. She's famous for 'sharing' her
drinks with the kids, but as mentioned,
they're typical kids, and whose knows the
cuts they have? Not to mention the cutting
teeth of my youngest.
I've also chose to dress them in pants and
to make sure they have socks and shoes on
when at her house. This is in effort to
protect their banged and scratched knees,
etc. (I didn't ask this, but I just chose
to do it...because so much turmoil started
just with the first two above mentioned
request)
Am I (if possible) being too cautious?
Their father is now accusing me of being
heartless and cold. He's accusing me of
pouring salt into a wound, so to say...not
caring about his mother, but causing her
more hurt.
I just feel like I can not be safe enough,
nor do I think I've asked for anything
above and beyond.
I am actually offended myself, that HE as
the children's father is not just as
concerned as I am.
I'm also dumbfound that their grandmother
wouldn't want to protect her grandchildren
as well.
Even if the risk are slight...isn't it
still worth it to just be safe?? I don't
believe I've been unfair in my request.
Am I wrong?
Are there other things that I need to take
precautions with or watch for?
Please advise!!
|
young Girl
Especially EHEALTHy
Joined: 21 Jun 2007 Posts: 13932 Location: everythings better in, texas USA
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Posted: 09-23-07 23:20pm
HIV is spread by sexual contact with an
infected person, by sharing needles and/or
syringes (primarily for drug injection)
with someone who is infected, or, less
commonly (and now very rarely in countries
where blood is screened for HIV
antibodies), through transfusions of
infected blood or blood clotting factors
HIV cant be transmitted through shareing a
drink or food with another person
so unless your 4 and 1 yr old are haveing
sex or shareing needles with their
grandmother...then they are ok
Joined: 21 Jun 2007 Posts: 13932 Location: everythings better in, texas USA
Thanks: 1
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Posted: 09-23-07 23:36pm
Saliva—is NOT considered to be
infectious. The only time saliva would
pose a risk would be if it had blood
present in it. There are no documented
cases of HIV transmission through saliva.
There is a protein in the mouth that
attaches itself to the surface of blood
cells and blocks infection by HIV that
appears to be present in the mucous
membrane in the mouth at a level
sufficient enough to reduce the
concentration of HIV in saliva to
non-infectious levels.
Urine and Tears—are NOT considered
infectious. While HIV has been found in
urine and tears, it is not concentrated in
an amount sufficient for transmission.
Sweat, Feces, Vomit—are NOT considered
infectious. HIV has never been found in
these materials. The only possible risk
would be if there was blood present.
