How Can Babies Get HIV?
A woman infected with HIV can pass the virus on to her baby during pregnancy or during birth. She can also pass it on when breast-feeding. If a woman is infected before or during pregnancy, her child has about one chance in four of being born infected. Taking AZT during pregnancy can reduce this risk. Any woman who is considering having a baby and who thinks she might have placed herself at risk for HIV infectioneven if this occurred years agoshould seek counseling and testing before she gets pregnant. To find out where to go in your area for counseling and testing, call your local health department. Blood Transfusions And HIV Although in the past some people became infected with HIV from receiving blood transfusions, this risk has been virtually eliminated. Since 1985, all donated blood has been tested for evidence of HIV. All blood found to contain evidence of HIV is discarded. Currently in the United States, there is almost no chance of infection with HIV through a blood transfusion
