Signs & Symptoms in Small Children With HIV

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is the virus that causes AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). HIV damages the immune system, resulting in the body having a difficult time fighting off bacteria, other viruses and fungi. Children with HIV are also more vulnerable to certain infections, such as meningitis and pneumonia, and certain cancers that the body would normally be able to resist. The symptoms of HIV in young children usually begin to present themselves two to three months after they are born, says Kids Health.

Mobility Issues

• HIV-positive children can have mobility problems. Children may have difficulty walking, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Development Problems

• Children who are HIV-positive can have problems with certain aspects of development. Children can experience difficulty growing normally, trouble gaining weight and delayed mental development, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Childhood Illnesses

• Young children who have HIV are more prone to the severe types of common illnesses experienced during childhood. Children can experience more severe forms of ear infections, tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils) and pneumonia (lung infection), according to the Mayo Clinic.