It is possible for a mom to have HIV and the baby to be negative?*2 pointsTrueFalse

Yes, it is possible for a mother to be HIV positive while her baby tests negative for the virus. This situation can arise under several circumstances:

1. Effective Antiretroviral Treatment: If the mother is on antiretroviral therapy (ART) during pregnancy, her viral load can be reduced to undetectable levels. This significantly lowers the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV during delivery.

2. Preventive Measures: Medical interventions, such as performing a cesarean delivery when the viral load is detectable, can reduce the chances of HIV transmission to the baby.

3. Breastfeeding Practices: If the mother maintains an undetectable viral load and follows medical advice, breastfeeding can also be done safely without transmitting the virus.

4. Timing and Testing: Infants are tested for HIV through various methods, such as PCR tests, which can confirm their status as negative if done at the appropriate times.

In summary, with proper medical management and precautions, a mother can be HIV positive, and her child can indeed be HIV negative. Therefore, the answer is True.