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Virology

Virology is the study, diagnosis and treatment of viruses and the diseases they cause. At Seattle Children's, our Virology Clinic cares for babies, children and teens with complex viral infections. Our clinic focuses on caring for children whose own defense against infection, the immune system, is not working properly. We specialize in treating children with HIV and AIDS.

Meet the Virology care team.

Conditions we treat

We treat many conditions caused by viruses, including:

• Human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV and AIDS)

  The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes the disease AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). HIV infects and damages a type of white blood cell in the immune system called T helper cells (T cells). A weakened immune system makes your child less able to fight off germs and disease.

• Exposure to HIV

  Young people may be at risk for getting the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in several ways. Pregnant women who are infected with the virus can expose their unborn babies. Teens may be at risk for getting HIV through unprotected sex with a person who has HIV or by sharing IV drug needles with a person with HIV. In cases of HIV exposure, treatment with medicines called antivirals can reduce the chance of getting HIV.

• Complex viral infections

  When pregnant women are either infected or have been around someone with certain viruses, their babies may be born with infections that can cause serious health problems. Infection with cytomegalovirus (CMV), for example, is not often a problem for older children and adults. But some babies who are born with the infection (congenital CMV infection) eventually develop hearing, vision, neurological and development problems. If untreated, infection with the herpes simplex virus (HSV) during delivery can cause the same kinds of serious problems.

Seattle Children's provides health care for the special needs of children regardless of race, sex, creed, ethnicity or disability. Financial assistance for medically necessary services is based on family income and hospital resources and is provided to children under age 21 whose primary residence is Washington, Alaska, Montana and Idaho.