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Children with blood-borne viruses: HIV and Hepatitis
Blood-borne viruses are infectious agents that some children and adults carry persistently in their blood. They can cause severe disease in some cases, and few or no symptoms in others. The virus can be spread to another person and this may occur whether the carrier of the virus is ill or not.
The main blood-borne viruses of concern are:
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Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), which affects the immune system of the body.
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Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) which cause hepatitis, a disease of the liver, which in a proportion of cases can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Blood-borne viruses are spread by direct contact with the blood of an infected child or adult. Certain other body fluids may be infectious. The risk of infection from urine, faeces, saliva, sweat, tears and vomit, is minimal unless they are contaminated with blood. These viruses are not spread by normal social contact and daily activities e.g. coughing, sneezing, kissing, hugging, holding hands, or sharing bathrooms, swimming pools, toilets, crockery and cutlery.
The Children Act 1989 gives local authorities the duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children in need, and so far is consistent with their welfare to promote the upbringing of these children by their families. Local authorities and child health services work closely together to ensure the needs of any child in their area who is affected by blood-borne viruses is appropriately assessed and advice and support provided. In accordance with the spirit of the Children Act 1989 the interests and welfare of the child remain the paramount consideration. The support to families may include help in the home and respite care.
When parents or carers are infected with these viruses and are significantly affected by their illness, this can have a considerable impact on their children, and they may depend upon the child for help and support. Children’s and Adults’ services work closely together to ensure the needs of parents, carers and children are met.
Where families affected by HIV are from African communities the assessment and service delivery will fully take into account cultural considerations and views. In all cases emphasis will be placed on ensuring that the needs of black and minority ethnic children and their families are sensitively and appropriately considered.
In all cases the local authority aims to work in partnership with families affected by blood-borne viruses, and to deal sensitively and positively with their concerns by sharing information and offering advice and information.
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