Begin with a group discussion about HIV/AIDS and record studen

1. Begin with a group discussion about HIV/AIDS and record student answers on the board. Ask students to identify the first time they heard about HIV/AIDS. What did they first hear? What were their first thoughts and emotions about HIV/AIDS? What were some of the initial questions they had about HIV/AIDS?
   
   After recording student's answers continue the discussion with the following information.
   
   Ask the students what else they would like to know about the disease.
   
   History The first case of AIDS in the United States was documented in 1981. People became very frightened of this deadly illness and began ostracizing parts of the population that tested positive for HIV/AIDS. The spread of AIDS continued throughout the 1990s threatening every person regardless of age, race or sexual preference. Today, approximately 8,000 people die of AIDS everyday.
   
   
2. Continue the group discussion. Ask students to describe what they have recently learned about HIV/AIDS. What is the difference between HIV and AIDS?
   
   Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the virus that causes AIDS. This virus severely damages the immune system by infecting and destroying certain white blood cells. HIV is passed from person to person via blood, semen or mucous membranes. Pregnant women may pass HIV to their baby during pregnancy, delivery or breast feeding. Some people will develop AIDS as a result of their HIV infection. An HIV positive test result does not mean a person has AIDS.
   
   Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is developed after a person has been in contact with HIV. AIDS is a collection of infections and cancers that people with HIV might develop. AIDS weakens the immune system making it difficult for a person to fight illness. If a person gets one of these infections or cancers after they are HIV+ they are said to have AIDS. Many of these infections that cause AIDS are harmless to a healthy immune system.