Talking With Children About HIV/AIDS

Lynn B. Pike
Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Missouri-Columbia

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What adults must know

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is the third leading cause of death in Missouri for people 25 to 44 years of age. Through June 1994, more than 5,000 Missouri citizens had contracted AIDS, and about half of them had died. In addition, many of those diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 29 probably were infected as teenagers. Approximately 4 percent of all those with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in Missouri were diagnosed when they were teenagers. This is the virus that causes AIDS.

As these statistics show, AIDS is a serious illness and a public health crisis that demands attention.

AIDS is a disease we can prevent. It is extremely important for parents, teachers, clergy and other adults in contact with youth to provide honest, accurate information. One of the fastest growing populations of HIV-positive and AIDS victims are teens and young adults. Although some young people are abstaining from sexual activity, many are sexually active. These young people need the facts about AIDS.

AIDS is the life-threatening disease caused by HIV. The virus depresses the body's immune system, making it difficult for the body to resist bacteria and viruses that might cause disease. The infected person is at high risk for diseases such as lung infection, pneumonia and cancer. Once developed, the full-blown syndrome results in death.

Knowing the facts about AIDS is necessary for individuals to choose healthy behaviors and attitudes. The facts are:

• Anyone can get HIV. Anyone, regardless of sexual orientation, who engages in high-risk behavior with an infected person is likely to get the virus.

• You will not get HIV through everyday contact with people at work, at school, at the swimming pool or in other casual situations.

• HIV is not passed in saliva, sweat, urine, bowel movements, tears, mosquito bites, clothes, phone receivers or toilet seats. It is not passed by donating blood, eating in restaurants or shaking hands.

• The virus is passed in semen, vaginal fluids and blood. It can enter the body through the vagina, penis, rectum, mouth or any cut or open sore. Anal intercourse is especially risky due to the delicate tissue involved. The virus can be transmitted by exchange of semen or secretions during intercourse, from mother to fetus during pregnancy or birth or by sharing needles or syringes with drug users.

• Abstinence is the only 100-percent safe choice to avoid sexually transmitted AIDS. Condoms are the best defense against the sexual transmission of HIV, but they are not foolproof. Latex condoms provide the best protection, but any condom must be used properly and every time.

• AIDS is fatal.

High-risk behavior

• Sex with someone who has had several sex partners or who will not openly discuss past sexual experiences.

• Unprotected sex (without a condom) with an infected person.

• Sex with someone who injects drugs.

• Sharing drug needles and syringes.

Safe behavior

• Not having sex (abstaining).

• Not injecting drugs.

• Sex with only one mutually faithful, uninfected partner.

Children at different developmental stages handle AIDS information differently. You are the best judge of what to say and how much they can understand.