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[Note: update Sep '86, '87, no changes. In 1988 it is no longer possible to use these questions in San Francisco. Authors in other areas have been invited to present "typical" questions and answers as they perceive. See other displays. The value of this display is principally historical now. -- sysop]
Written by: Marcus A. Conant, M. D.
Q. When do you expect a cure for AIDS?
A. A cure for AIDS will be at least as difficult as a cure for genital herpes. Unfortunately, the technology for accomplishing this feat is not at hand.
Q. Does getting sucked off by someone who might have AIDS make me catch it?
A. Probably not. There has to be some way for body fluids to move from an infected person into you to make your health at risk. Fellatio usually does not provide the return channel. There would have to be a break in your skin and another in the skin of the infected person who did the sucking.
Q. What type of AIDS treatments are being studied?
A. Anti-viral agents such as HPA23 and Suramin and immune stimu- lators such as Interlukin-2 are being studied. Experts do not anticipate that these agents will eliminate the AIDS virus from an infected individual. At best, they will partially restore the immune system, reduce the frequency of life-threatening oppor- tunistic infections and malignancies and prolong the life of an infected person.
Q. I have cut way back on my number of sexual partners. Is my risk of exposure to the AIDS virus now pretty low?
A. No. In 1980 a man would have had to have had sex with 100 different partners in San Francisco to have been exposed to the AIDS virus one time. By April of 1985, if that same man had had sex with 3 San Franciscans, he would have been exposed to the AIDS virus twice.
Q. Can you catch AIDS from deep french kissing?
A. We don't know.
Q. Why do I keep getting yeast infections in my mouth?
A. Oral yeast infections (Monilia, candidiasis) is a common minor opportunistic infection of individuals who do not have a normal immune system. Aggressive therapy to clear the infection and prophylactic treatment to prevent recurrence is essential. You should discuss these treatment strategies with your physician.
Q. In addition to oral yeast infections, I often get perianal (asshole area) yeast infections. Is there a simple prophylactic treatment?
A. Yes. Cleansing the perianal area with a benzoyl peroxide wash such as Oxy-10 each day is often extremely effective in prevent- ing recurrent yeast infections.
Q. Since my immune system has been suppressed, I frequently get recurrent episodes of perianal herpes. Is there an effective treatment?
A. Yes. Acyclovir which was released as an oral tablet in Feb. 1985 is extremely effective in treating recurrences of Herpes Simplex and if taken on a regular basis, in suppressing recurrent attacks. You should discuss these treatment strategies with your physician.
Q. Is every effort being made to develop an AIDS vaccine as soon as possible?
A. There is a bill in the California State legislature which would authorize purchase of a large number of vaccine units when developed. If it passes, it is almost certain to result in the development of a vaccine.
Questions collected and answered by Marcus Conant, M. D.
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Last modified Mar 19 2002