HIV Facts for Kids

According to the non-profit organization Children Now, by third grade, 93 percent of children will have already heard about HIV and AIDS. Sharing some of these facts with kids may help reduce any misinformation they pick up from friends.

Explaining HIV

HIV is a disease that makes people sick, and attacks the body on the inside, so you can't see HIV germs.

Who Gets HIV?

People can get HIV if their blood comes in contact with the blood of an infected person. You can't catch HIV like a cold or by hugging your friends. Pets can't give you HIV, and you can't get it from bugs either.

Can Kids Get HIV?

Kids can be born with HIV if their mom has the disease. In the past, kids who needed to go to the hospital to get new blood sometimes caught HIV, but that doesn't happen anymore.

How Can You Tell If Someone Has HIV?

You cannot tell by looking at someone if they have HIV. If you know someone with HIV, you should treat them like you would treat your other friends. You can't catch HIV from hugging them or playing with them.

The HIV Cure

Right now there's no cure for HIV, but doctors are trying to find one now. People with HIV can live a long time if they take their medicine, exercise, eat right and take care of themselves.

References

• Children Now: Talking With Kids About HIV and AIDS
• Talking to Kids about Aids
• The Body