HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, is an important topic for parents and children to discuss. As parents, we hope our kids will not be exposed to HIV. We are often ill at ease discussing sex and drug use with our kids. But protecting our children from life's hazards is a part of our job as a parent. Talking about HIV is an important task that parents today must take on.

Be clear when talking about HIV. Let kids know how they can get HIV:
* unprotected sexual intercourse,
* unprotected sex,
* contact with another person's blood or the blood in a drug needle, or
* being born to an infected mother.

Also, let kids know how they won't get HIV. This is especially important for young children to know. They won't get HIV from a swimming pool, drinking fountain, or from being around someone with HIV or AIDS. They can't get it from an insect bite or sharing food.

Once a child reaches puberty, they need to understand that HIV is spread through unprotected sexual intercourse. They also need to know that safer sex can help reduce the risk of HIV. Talking about safer sex does not encourage teens to have sex. This information can be life saving information that they will carry with them into adulthood.

There are many books written for teens about HIV. Check with your local health department, your library, or your local book store. Often times your health provider will have pamphlets about HIV designed for teens.

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