AIDS: A Chronic Disease, Not a Plague

When AIDS was first recognized in 1981, the medical community was caught off guard by this unexpected and virulent disease. Initially, many experts believed that AIDS would follow the pattern of classic plagues, being devastating but eventually subsiding and perhaps never returning. However, by the mid-1980s, it became clear that AIDS was not a fleeting plague, but rather a chronic infection that required a new approach.

The Shift in Perception: From Plague to Chronic Disease

In this thought-provoking collection of essays, editors Elizabeth Fee and Daniel M. Fox bring together diverse perspectives from various fields and professions to examine the evolution of AIDS from a perceived plague to a recognized chronic disease. Through historical analysis, the contributors delve into the politics and public policy surrounding AIDS, human rights issues, and the shifting demographics of those affected by HIV infection.

The authors investigate the federal government’s approach to testing drugs for cancer and HIV, revealing how policymakers’ choice of historical model – chronic disease versus plague – significantly influenced their decision-making processes.

Personal Stories and International Perspectives

A powerful photo essay showcases the strength and resilience of women from diverse backgrounds and lifestyles who are living with HIV. Another moving account explores the complex and multifaceted relationships within the gay community in the face of AIDS.

Furthermore, this collection provides a sampling of international perspectives on the impact of AIDS in other nations, highlighting the global scope of this chronic disease.

With its in-depth analysis and personal stories, this book offers a nuanced understanding of AIDS as a chronic disease, underscoring the need for continued awareness, education, and advocacy.

Published by University of California Press, this book is a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the AIDS epidemic.

ISBN: 9780520075696, 9780520912441

Language: English

Publisher: University of California Press

Publication Date: September 1, 2023