Stemming the AIDS epidemic. Drawing on past experience with VD control.

In view of the increasing concerns about AIDS, confidentiality, and reactions to risk factors such as homosexuality and drug abuse, our patients and communities should be familiarized with medicine's past successes in control of sexually transmitted diseases. The system of contact tracing and patient notification has been highly productive and can be done in a caring and effective manner to minimize emotional trauma and maximize protection of sexual partners, family, and the community. By building on the experiences of past programs, we can do much to slow the spread of human immunodeficiency virus infection and to counter the panic and irrational fears that are so prevalent. All this can be accomplished simply by utilizing the therapeutic and public health resources that are currently available.