About HIV
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a manageable, long-term health condition. With effective antiretroviral treatment, people living with HIV can expect to live long, healthy lives.
Medical understanding and treatment of HIV have advanced enormously. Children born with HIV who receive treatment from an early age grow up healthy and able to participate fully in all aspects of school life. The principle of U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable) is now well established in medical science. This means that a person living with HIV who is on effective treatment and has an undetectable viral load cannot pass HIV on to others.
There is no risk of HIV transmission through normal school activities, including sharing equipment, using the same toilet, coughing, sneezing, hugging or playing together.
Key Facts for School Staff
- HIV cannot be transmitted through everyday school contact
- Standard hygiene procedures for dealing with blood and body fluids (which schools should follow for all children) are more than sufficient to prevent any theoretical risk
- Children living with HIV who are on effective treatment are healthy and well
- HIV treatment typically involves taking tablets daily; some children may need to take medication at school
- There is no need for any special precautions or separate arrangements
- A pupil's HIV status does not need to be disclosed to other parents, pupils or most staff
- The Equality Act 2010 protects people living with HIV from discrimination; HIV is classified as a disability from the point of diagnosis
Impact on School Life
Most children living with HIV experience no limitations at school. However, some considerations may include:
- Hospital appointments for regular monitoring
- The need to take medication during the school day
- Possible side effects from medication (tiredness, nausea) in some cases
- Emotional and psychological impact, particularly as the young person becomes aware of their diagnosis
- Anxiety about confidentiality and stigma
- The need for sensitive handling within PSHE and RSE lessons that cover HIV
Classroom and School Strategies
Confidentiality and Pastoral Care
- Protect the pupil's confidentiality at all times; only share information with those who genuinely need to know
- Discuss with parents who should be informed and in what circumstances
- Store any medical records securely with restricted access
- Support the pupil's emotional wellbeing, particularly around issues of identity and disclosure
- Be prepared for the pupil to want to talk as they grow older and understand their condition more fully
- Provide access to a trusted adult in school whom the pupil can approach
Medication
- If medication needs to be taken during school hours, arrange a private, consistent time and place
- Follow the school's medicines policy and the pupil's IHP
- Be discrete; never draw attention to the pupil's need for medication
Education and Curriculum
- Ensure that teaching about HIV in PSHE, RSE and science is accurate, up to date and non-stigmatising
- Challenge myths and misconceptions about HIV if they arise
- Be sensitive to how lessons about HIV may feel for a pupil living with the condition; give advance notice if the topic will be covered
- Promote an inclusive school culture that challenges stigma and discrimination
Hygiene Procedures
- Follow standard blood and body fluid precautions for all children, not just those known to have any condition
- Use disposable gloves when dealing with blood
- Clean blood spills with dilute bleach solution or disinfectant
- Cover open wounds with waterproof dressings
- These are universal precautions and should not be applied more rigorously for any individual pupil
Further Information and Resources
Terrence Higgins Trust provides comprehensive resources, training and support, including schools resources.
CHIVA (Children's HIV Association) offers specific guidance for supporting children and young people living with HIV.
NHS information on HIV provides accessible, up-to-date medical information.