Assume nothing

Today I saw a mom who brought her 6 and 8 year old daughters into the Out Patient Department.  Mom and the 8 year old were getting their HIV meds refilled.  The 6 year old was there for a cough.  My first thought was that mom was on treatment when the 6 year old was born and she did not get infected.  

Just like at home never assume anything.  History revealed that the 6 year old has never had HIV testing despite the HIV unit frequently reminding mom to bring the 6 year old in for testing.  Sure enough, the 6 year old tested positive today.  

The good news is that she has been healthy to date and that her status has now been identified and can be dealt with.  The bad news is that she missed out on 6 years of early treatment and only time will tell if that was detrimental.