How to talk to kids about HIV and AIDS

It’s World AIDS Day so here is a script for talking to kids about HIV and AIDS.

How to explain an STD

“Sometimes when people have sex they can spread germs and get sick, kind of like sneezing and giving someone a cold. This is called a sexually transmitted disease or STD.”

“You know how you cover your mouth when you sneeze? We there is this thing called a condom that a man can put over his penis to catch the semen. It fits like a glove. This can prevent pregnancy and stop germs that cause STDs from spreading.”

How to explain HIV and AIDS

“There is this STD called HIV that causes an illness called AIDS. It’s caused by a virus or germ that travels from person to person in body fluids – blood, semen, vaginal secretions and breast milk. The HIV virus eats away the immune system that usually keeps us healthy. The white blood cells can’t fight off regular illnesses and diseases and the person with HIV eventually develops AIDS.”

“It’s sad because AIDS causes the person to die. There is no cure right now, but people can take medicines that help them to be healthy and live as long as possible.”

“People prevent spreading this disease by using condoms when they decide to have sex with someone. This is not something you need to worry about now, but just information for you for the future.”