What are the chances of getting HIV through breast milk?

Understanding the Risk of HIV Transmission Through Breast Milk
The question of whether HIV can be transmitted through breast milk is a critical concern for mothers living with HIV and their healthcare providers. While breastfeeding is widely recognized for its numerous health benefits, the potential risk of HIV transmission from an infected mother to her infant through breast milk cannot be overlooked.
Transmission Rates and Influencing Factors
Research indicates that breastfeeding can significantly increase the risk of HIV transmission from mother to child. A systematic review highlighted that among women on HIV treatment who breastfed, the transmission rate was approximately 1% after six months and increased to 3% after one year of breastfeeding. This suggests that the duration of breastfeeding plays a crucial role in the likelihood of transmission.
The risk of transmission is also influenced by several factors, including the mother’s viral load, the timing of infection, and whether she is receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). Mothers who are newly infected or have a high viral load are more likely to transmit the virus through breast milk. Conversely, those who are on effective ART and maintain an undetectable viral load significantly reduce the risk of transmission.
Global Context and Pediatric HIV Infections
Despite advancements in reducing mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV, breastfeeding remains a significant contributor to pediatric HIV infections. It is estimated that breastfeeding accounts for nearly 50% of new pediatric HIV cases each year. This statistic underscores the importance of providing evidence-based counseling to mothers with HIV regarding infant feeding options, particularly in regions where access to safe alternatives may be limited.
Breastfeeding Recommendations for HIV-Positive Mothers
For mothers living with HIV, the decision to breastfeed should be made in consultation with healthcare professionals. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that mothers with HIV who wish to breastfeed receive comprehensive counseling on the risks and benefits, as well as the importance of adhering to ART. In many cases, the benefits of breastfeeding may outweigh the risks, especially if the mother is on effective treatment and has a low viral load.
Conclusion
In summary, while there is a risk of HIV transmission through breast milk, it is significantly mitigated by effective treatment and management of the mother’s health. The decision to breastfeed should be individualized, taking into account the mother’s health status, access to healthcare, and the potential risks to the infant. Ongoing education and support for HIV-positive mothers are essential to navigate these complex decisions and ensure the health and well-being of both mother and child.

What are the odds of a baby getting HIV from its mother?

Frequency of Perinatal HIV Transmission
Without treatment, 25 to 30% of babies born to a mother living with HIV will get HIV. However, if mothers are aware of their HIV infection and treated along with their infants, the chances of the infant getting HIV are less than 2%.

When does HIV start showing in babies?

HIV’s clinical expression in children is highly variable. Many HIV-infected children develop severe HIV-related signs and symptoms in the first year of life. Other HIV-infected children remain asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic for more than a year and may survive for several years.

When is HIV undetectable?

What does it mean to be undetectable? HIV medication (antiretroviral treatment, or ART) works by reducing the amount of the virus in the blood to undetectable levels. This means the levels of HIV are so low that the virus cannot be passed on.

Is it safe for an HIV positive mother to breastfeed?

Mothers known to be HIV-infected (and whose infants are HIV uninfected or of unknown HIV status) should exclusively breastfeed their infants for the first 6 months of life, introducing appropriate complementary foods thereafter, and continue breast feeding.

How are HIV positive mother babies treated?

Babies whose mothers have HIV receive antiretroviral treatment (ART) for a 2 to 6-week period after birth. This treatment is known as PEP (or post-exposure prophylaxis), and significantly decreases their chance of getting HIV.

How quickly can HIV be transmitted?

Transmission can occur after one exposure. It is important to emphasize that a person could become infected from having unprotected sex once or a person could have unprotected sex many times and not become infected, regardless of how low or high the risk per exposure is.

What is the longest HIV survivor without treatment?

A Barcelona woman has controlled HIV for more than 15 years without treatment. Diagnosed with HIV during acute infection, she received four different immune-modulating drugs in addition to her normal antiretroviral treatment as part of a clinical trial.

When do HIV start showing signs?

Most people infected with HIV experience a short, flu-like illness that occurs 2-6 weeks after infection. After this, HIV may not cause any symptoms for several years. It’s estimated up to 80% of people who are infected with HIV experience this flu-like illness.

When can HIV not be passed from mother to infant?

If you have HIV and take HIV medicine as prescribed throughout your pregnancy and childbirth and give HIV medicine to your baby for 2-6 weeks after giving birth, your risk of transmitting HIV to your baby can be less than 1%. As long as your viral load remains undetectable, you can have a normal delivery.

What are the odds of getting HIV through breastfeeding?

Although up to one-half of HIV infections in children can be attributed to breastfeeding, only a small percentage of infants (∼15%) breastfed by HIV-positive women become infected with HIV despite daily exposure to virus in breast milk for several months to years (44).