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Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the Adoption of an HIV/AIDS Infected Child
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1) How is it possible to adopt a child with HIV/AIDS without putting a family's
other children at risk? |
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HIV is fragile and transmission is difficult. Numerous studies have shown that
family members do not contract HIV/AIDS through ordinary household activities
such as sharing the same cup, hugging, kissing, coughing, sneezing or spitting.
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2) How is the virus spread?
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The virus is transmitted only through blood, semen, vaginal fluid or breast
milk.
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3) How should blood spills be handled?
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Whenever blood is present , one should wear rubber gloves and disinfect
surrounding household surfaces, sinks and countertops.
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4) Will a family's existing insurance policy cover an adopted HIV/AIDS-exposed
child?
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The amended ERISA Act of 1993 requires that any group health plan providing
coverage for dependent children must provide benefits for an adopted child
under the same terms and conditions that apply to a biological child of a plan
participant.
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5) What information about an HIV/AIDS-infected child do parents need to provide
to the child's school?
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Confidentiality laws are in place to protect parents and their children.
According to the AIDS Legal Council of Chicago, the child's pediatrician is
required to notify the state Board of Health, which will in turn notify the
school principal. Otherwise, disclosure is totally at the discretion of the
parents.
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6) Is it true that many infants who test HIV positive at birth convert to
negative within the first year or so?
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Yes. Statistics show that 75% to 80% of children who test HIV-positive at birth
only have the birth mother's antibodies and not the virus itself. A
sophisticated blood test called the PCR can now determine with a high degree of
accuracy by four months of age whether an infant is antibody or antigen
positive.
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7) How can a family knowingly subject themselves and other family members to
the possible loss of a child with HIV/AIDS?
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While there is still no cure for HIV infection, it is not the death sentence it
used to be. A combination of drugs, called a "cocktail," can keep HIV from
replicating itself and reduce the viral load. No one knows how long it may be
possible to keep the virus under control and prevent the onset of AIDS, but
many people are now staying healthy indefinitely as medicine is steadily
gaining the upper hand.
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