How to explain drugs, HIV to 5 y old?

[gordonpym]

Today we went to the Sea World park. As usual we took a seat in front of the sharks window. At once, I shouted TAKE YOUR HAND AWAY, there was a needle on a seat, and my son was reaching for it. It is a very dark area, the only lights come from the pool and I hadn't seen it.
I was so shaken, and my son asked me why, and I tried to say it is dangerous you could cut yourself, and maybe get an illness from it.
So is it too early to introduce chat about needles, drugs, diseases? And how can you explain it?
F*+ Bastard who did it on purpose! I am so mad now, and staff didn't really care when I reported it straight away

I wouldn't even try to explain HIV, drugs etc. I would just say that injections are sometimes used on very, very poorly people and their blood has germs. If he touches needles and their blood is on them, he can catch the same germs and become very poorly too.

agree with icandothat. perfect explanation. No need to go intyo any more depth than that, as it will be lost on them and may worry them more.

Yes of course you're right. The both of you.
And what about all the other scary stuff? I have talked about not going away/following strangers, but that's it. I hadn't thought about needles. When did you talk to your DC about them?

For which age group? DS1 is only 5

No need to go into drugs and hiv etc, not at 5! Just explain that it could have germs for very nasty diseases on it and that's why he must never tough anything sharp like that.

Don't scare the poor boy with all the scary stuff just yet.

I wouldn't even contemplate telling DS about HIV and he's 6 and has a relative with it.

Thanks I fell better now. Time for bedtime stories. Good night!