HIV AIDS Facts for Kids
By the end of 2007, UNAIDS/WHO reported that about 2 million children around the world were living with HIV/AIDS. Because people can be affected by HIV at any age, it's important for kids to understand some basic facts about HIV and HIV-disease.
- AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is a syndrome, which means a group of conditions that make a person sick. It is caused by HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), which is a virus, a disease particle you can only see under a powerful microscope.
- HIV attacks the immune system, which is our natural way of protecting ourselves against disease. Your skin and your tears protect you, but so do special white blood cells that attack disease particles, and this is what HIV attacks.
- Eventually, most people with HIV develop AIDS, which means they often get sick and have a harder time recovering from illnesses than people who do not have HIV.
- People with HIV can be treated with drugs that control their virus, helping them stay healthier for a longer time. Drugs for HIV are normally taken in groups called HAART (highly active antiretroviral therapy). Sadly, there is not yet a cure for HIV.
- According to Avert.org, you can't get HIV like a cold or the flu. HIV patients can live normal lives--you can play with a family member who has HIV, share her juice, and give her a big hug. HIV patients should not be made fun of or treated differently than other friends.
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