Aids outbreak

Aids outbreak

Who would have ever thought that a disease, possibly brought to America by infected African monkeys, would affect the country forever? This is exactly what happened in the late nineteenth century when the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) was introduced to America. The unpredictable epidemic caused a huge outrage for years to come. The outbreak of the HIV virus, AIDS, in the early 1980’s resulted in medical research, public misconceptions, and ultimately growing awareness. Appearing first only in homosexual men, AIDS was an unfamiliar virus to the entire United States. Reports of unknown and unexplainable symptoms caused much confusion among patients and even doctors. In 1981, the first reports explained that 41 homosexual men in the San Fransisco area had “...a rare and often rapidly fatal form of cancer” (Altman n.p.). After years of researching these cases and millions of others appearing later in the decade, scientists discovered that it was not cancer they were dealing with. They called it HIV (Human Immune Virus) which leads to AIDS (Acquired Immune deficiency Syndrome) that “...progressively destroys th

After years of research and statistical reports there were finally people relaying these messages to the public. Similarly, the public would often avoid people with AIDS. com came up with 164 "category matches,"� 1,206 "web site matches,"� and 237,000 web page matches. Also like the black plague did, AIDS carried with it a long string of misconceptions. Most victims have not lived as long as he which is why AIDS has lead to some extensive research. People are aware of the facts and probably make better decisions. Accupuncture, stress management, hypnosis, exercise, good nutrition, and an overall positive attitude all seem to alleviate symptoms even if they are not proven cures of the virus (Packer 78-88). This assumption that AIDS only affected few amounts of people and only minorities was the basis of all misconceptions about that virus. Conducting a simple search on http://www. Although it was statistically correct that 66% of people infected by AIDS were homosexual males, 24% were IV drug users, and only 4% were heterosexual males or females (Packer 17) it was still a fact that AIDS can affect anyone. Pertaining to the eighties and the early onset of the virus, AIDS caused much more commotion than love. Since the initial outbreak was among gay men it was simply assumed that only gay men could be affected. Information about these subjects can also be found easily, not only at hospitals or doctors"tm offices; but in books, magazines, pamphlets, and even on the internet.