How to Explain HIV/AIDS to an Adolescent

In 2009, about 8,300 people between the ages of 13 and 24 reported HIV contraction, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Because HIV and AIDS continue to afflict teenagers and young adults, it̵7;s important to provide relevant and accurate information about this illness to your adolescent. With understanding of risks and connected behaviors, your teenager can take steps to keep himself healthy.

Instructions

    • 1

      Provide an overview of human immunodeficiency virus to your child, commonly called HIV. This virus affects a person̵7;s immune system, destroying cells that work to keep one strong and healthy, states the AIDS.gov website. With HIV, the person̵7;s immune system cannot overcome the virus and gradually it worsens until the person develops AIDS.

    • 2

      Explain acquired immune deficiency syndrome to your child, commonly referred to as AIDS. After HIV progresses to a specific point, a person will receive an AIDS diagnosis. Progression between HIV and AIDS usually happens within 10 years. AIDS is the final stage of HIV, according to the AIDS.gov website. Generally, AIDS involves a variety of symptoms and issues, including cancer, herpes, tuberculosis, pneumonia and toxoplasmosis of the brain.

    • 3

      Differentiate between HIV and AIDS. Tell your child that people may use the terms interchangeably, but they are different illnesses. Often someone sick with HIV doesn̵7;t realize she̵7;s sick and doesn̵7;t appear sick. This encapsulates the danger of transmitting the virus, because a person may transmit it without even realizing the danger.

    • 4

      Describe the behaviors and actions that could lead to HIV and AIDS. Because body fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids and breast milk contain HIV, coming into contact with body fluids of a person infected with HIV could transmit the disease. Unprotected sexual contact and sharing contaminated needles are two common ways the HIV antibody passes between people.

    • 5

      Reassure your child that casual contact with others, such as touching someone or drinking out of the same drinking fountain, are not risks associated with HIV transmittal, according to the Purdue University Extension Provider-Parent Partnership website.

    • 6

      Warn your adolescent that no cure for HIV and AIDS exists. Patients usually receive medications and drug therapies that manage symptoms and lengthen survival rates. Eventually, patients will succumb to one of the many illnesses associated with AIDS.

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