You are here:

AIDS/Fingernails

Advertisement

Expert: Kristen Brannock, MPH - 3/27/2004


Question
Hello!  Thank you for answering my last question.  My next question pertains to fingernails of HIV+ people.  We had a maid who accidentally injured my then 19-month-old son by scratching her long fingernails into his skin.  He bled a bit and now I'm worried if he's got HIV as well.  I'm wondering if he's too young to get a blood test.  How soon will symptoms appear in toddlers once they get infected?

Thanks!

Answer
Unless her blood, vaginal fluid or breast milk entered his body, transmission is not possible. Children not born to HIV infected mothers have about the same window period as adults. He is not to young to be tested, although I dont think it is necessary.

Here is a webpage with more information about pediatric HIV:
http://www.kidneeds.com/diagnostic_categories/articles/hivc02.htm

AIDS

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Kristen Brannock, MPH

Expertise

I can answer questions concerning HIV infection and AIDS. This includes ways it can and cannot be transmitted, how it is treated, how it affects the body and methods to protect yourself. I can also answer questions concerning safer sex and contraception.

Experience

I trained with the Red Cross to become an HIV/AIDS counselor and was a member of CARES- Carolina AIDS Resource Education Service in college. I have an MPH in Health Behavior and Health Education and conduct research in the field of HIV prevention. I also take continuing education courses in HIV/STI prevention periodically.

Education/Credentials
Master of Public Health Health Behavior and Health Education UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health (formerly UNC-CH School of Public Health)

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.