Final answer:
For an HIV positive mother with an undetectable viral load, the infant should receive antiretroviral medications and potentially be delivered by cesarean, with bottle feeding as an alternative to breastfeeding in order to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission.
Step-by-step explanation:
If an infant is born to an HIV positive mother with an undetectable viral load, the focus should still be on preventing mother-to-child transmission. It is recommended to administer antiretroviral medications to both the mother during pregnancy and to the infant after birth. Cesarean delivery might be chosen to further decrease the risk of transmission during childbirth. Additionally, to prevent transmission through breast milk, bottle feeding should be considered if it is a viable option.
The concept of vertical transmission refers to the passing of the HIV from mother to child, and without interventions, there is a significant risk of the virus being transmitted. Fortunately, with the use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), the HIV viral load can be suppressed to undetectable levels, greatly reducing the risk of mother-to-child transmission and improving the long-term health outcomes for both mother and child.
It's imperative to continue antiretroviral therapy in both the mother and the child, because although HAART can reduce viral load to undetectable levels, HIV can remain hidden in the body's immune cells and may reemerge if treatment is discontinued.