Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!samsung!usc!ucla-cs!news
From: bob@ozdaltx.UUCP (Bob Culmer)
Newsgroups: sci.med.aids
Subject: Re: (2775) a question
Summary: Precision, fear, lack of understanding of science
Message-ID: <1990Dec6.212211.660@cs.ucla.edu>
Date: 6 Dec 90 14:27:06 GMT
References: <1990Dec2.154515.20841@cs.ucla.edu>
Sender: news@cs.ucla.edu (Mr. News)
Organization: AIDS INFO EXCG/OZ BBS - Dallas, TX
Lines: 48
Approved: phil@wubios.wustl.edu
Note: non-commercial reproduction.
Nntp-Posting-Host: squid.cs.ucla.edu
Archive-Number: 2788

In article <1990Dec2.154515.20841@cs.ucla.edu>, Bill_Barrick@d10.niaid.pc.niaid.nih.gov (Bill Barrick) writes:
> Why do you expect a level of precision in answer to this question 
> that most do not expect when asking for the transmission routes of 
> cancer, polio, or measles?  What is it about HIV that provokes this 
> need for assurances?

I agree with this question of the question.  Many of the things
originally asked have answers albeit rather technical and anyone
seriously interested in the latest information is referred to AIDS
Treatment News back issues (among others) for good solid information.

More than the specific questions I too was struck by what might
simply be an honest lack of understanding about science and biology in
particular.

Yes it is extremely common for there to be variations in individual
response to pathogens of any variety.  The list of reasons for this is
legion, from individual immune system differences to random
occurrences at the molecular level.

The lessons of modern science seem to be that the closer we get to the
molecular/atomic level of matter the less precise the world itself is,
not just our instruments.  I know many people seem to have a strong
desire for absolutes, amd something about AIDS seems to make this come
out more.  Absolutes are simple and easy.  They have a nice
reassurance of certainty, unfortunately, much of the world simply
doesn't operate that way - and this is not new with AIDS.

To the serious questioners if you want to improve your scientific
knowledge of HIV I can provide some information about publications
that cover this.  Email me or post. (Don't have the info at my finger
tips at the moment)

To those who are seriously concerned but upon reflection feel that
they are really looking for reassurances rather than scientific
mastery, let me suggest thinking about the risks inherent in your
daily living that you have no control over.  I don't mean this as a
put down - but as a serious suggestion for people's emotional well
being.  Facing AIDS, whether you are infected or not, includes facing
our fears (both reasonable and unreasonable) and coming to terms with
them.  In my experience "coming to terms" does not mean absolute
assurances or any other form of guarantee - life is not given with a
warranty.
-- 
Bob Culmer - Dallas        | "Oh no, my dear, I'm a very good man. 
Somewhere over the rainbow |  I'm just a very bad Wizard." 
...in the Land of OZ       | 
            {mic,void,egsner}!ozdaltx!bob