All children get unwell from time to time, but it is especially important to watch out for certain illnesses and symptoms if your child has HIV. This is because their immune system (which helps fight infections in the body) may not work as efficiently as for people who do not have HIV.

You should contact your child’s HIV doctor if any of the following symptoms or illnesses develop:

• A temperature above 38 degrees. It’s a good idea to have a thermometer at home so you can monitor your child’s temperature if he or she feels hot.
• Pain. Changes in behaviour, restlessness, crying, withdrawal, and not smiling can all be possible warning signs that your child is experiencing pain.
• Weight loss or loss of appetite.
• Rashes and dry skin.
• Feeling or being sick.
• Childhood illnesses like measles, chicken pox, mumps. These can be more serious in children with HIV. If you become aware of cases among other children your child has contact with, let your child’s HIV care team know.

If your child has a low CD4 cell count, they may be given antibiotic treatment to stop him or her developing PCP, a type of pneumonia (this is often referred to as PCP prophylaxis).