8 Factors Contributing To The Risk Of HIV Transmission From Parents To Infant You Should Be Aware

HIV transmission from parents to infants, known as vertical transmission, occurs when the virus is passed from a mother to her child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.

While the risk of HIV transmission from parent to child has significantly decreased with medical advancements, several factors still contribute to the likelihood of transmission. Here are eight key factors to be aware of:

1. Maternal HIV Viral Load
One of the most significant factors in vertical HIV transmission is the mother’s viral load. If a mother has a high viral load, the likelihood of transmission to the infant increases. Effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) can reduce the viral load to undetectable levels, greatly lowering the risk of transmission.

2. Lack of Antiretroviral Treatment (ART) During Pregnancy

Without proper ART, HIV-positive mothers have a much higher risk of transmitting the virus to their child. ART is critical throughout pregnancy, labor, and breastfeeding, and helps keep the mother’s viral load low, reducing the risk of transmission.:.Read the full now & the viral video.