4 How a person gets HIV - Information on transmission

HIV = the virus that causes AIDS

1. Decide how to teach this activity:

a) A copy is given to each student and the teacher reads the information. The teacher asks questions and/or clarifies each route of transmission.

b) If there is only one copy, the teacher reads the information and asks questions and/or clarifies each route of transmission.

2. Questions for clarification might include:

· HIV spreads through sexual intercourse:

a) What are other examples of STD?
Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, genital warts, herpes.

b) What fluids in the male reproductive system can contain HIV?
Semen.

c) What fluids in the female reproductive system can contain HIV?
Vaginal secretions, menstrual blood.

d) Where would the HIV in these fluids enter the person’s body?
Through the mucous membranes that line the vagina, penis, anus/rectum.

· HIV is spread through infected blood:

a) How could there be blood in needles or syringes?
Blood left in needle or syringe from a previous injection into another person.

b) What substances do people inject into their bodies?
Drugs - heroin, cocaine, speed, steroids.

c) Why would unsterilized tools contain blood, e.g. ear-piercing?
Blood left in needle or on instrument from cutting or puncturing.

· HIV spreads from an infected mother to the unborn or newborn child:

a) How would the babies get HIV?
From mother’s blood, during pregnancy or delivery; less commonly, through breast milk.

b) What could be done to prevent this from happening?
A woman with HIV should seek advice and/or go for counselling as she may wish to avoid pregnancy.

What should be done by parent(s)
(if there is a parents’ guide)

Either read the information sheet How a person gets HIV infection, or have a child read the activity to the parents. The child could clarify questions about the information.