To know or not to know about HIV infection
Tveit, B.
Tidsskrift for den Norske Laegeforening Tidsskrift for Praktisk Medicin Ny Raekke 107(16): 1476-7 1461
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0029-2001 PMID: 3603518 Document Number: 292423
I have let loose a torrent of rage against the norwegian health authorities, accusing them of illogical and pusillanimous behaviour with regard to AIDS and HIV-infection. They have cried "Danger", but refused to do anything else than politely asking people to report for testing, and always to use condoms. I find the contrast to our vigorous vigilance with respect to other dangers (such as storms at sea, airplane bombs and snow avalanches) very depressing. I would plead the case for "oldfashioned" registers, thorough diagnostic work, and obligatory blood tests. The torrent over, I discovered a deeper reason for my rage: I think the doctors feel so desperate and helpless, both over AIDS and over the official policy, that we have created a "taboo" situation by not discussing openly either the disappearance of clearly defined risk groups or the significance of brain damage caused by HIV-virus. This most uncharacteristic behaviour by doctors has made me really anxious.