What should a mother with HIV/AIDS be advised regarding breastfeeding to minimize transmission risks?

A mother with HIV/AIDS should be advised that breastfeeding should be avoided because of the risk of transmission. This recommendation is based on substantial evidence indicating that HIV can be transmitted through breast milk. Even though the risk can be influenced by various factors, including maternal health and viral load, the safest approach to eliminate the risk of HIV transmission to the infant is to avoid breastfeeding altogether.

Option regarding breastfeeding posing little risk does not accurately reflect the potential for transmission through breast milk. Advising that breastfeeding is acceptable only if the mother’s CD4 count is more than 1,000 overlooks the fact that other factors, such as viral load, significantly influence transmission risk. The recommendation that breastfeeding is safe if the mother is on antiviral therapy may provide some reduction in risk, but it still does not eliminate the possibility of transmission through breast milk entirely, leading to the conclusion that avoiding breastfeeding remains the safest practice for mothers with HIV/AIDS to protect their infants.