Opus 2017-335: Hope or Headlines?

Instapundit linked to what appeared to be a potential cure for HIV.

I have mixed reactions.

First, I was encouraged.  HIV is a scourge that has the potential to match the destruction of the Black Death of medieval times.  Finding a way to stop it is a good thing.  It needs to be done before it mutates and starts to become airborne.

Second, I was skeptical.  Notice that it comes from the BBC.  In case you went to public school, the first “B” stands for “British”.  One of the things I have noticed when using Drudge as a source is that the vast majority of headlines that talk about miraculous progress in medicine come from British newspapers and are vastly overblown.  Usually when they claim a breakthrough it is simply because someone wanting more money says they have hopes of a breakthrough.  I am tired of reading about cures for diabetes, cancer and HIV that are nothing but dreams and drama.

Third, I have the same concern I have when I read about breakthroughs in weight control.  You know the dream of all us gluttons:  Eat all you want of whatever you want and still lose weight.  When I finally conceded that I was diabetic I had a choice.  I could either control my weight or start learning to use a needle.  In my case diabetes was a behavior issue.  I am a glutton.  I love food.  It is a character flaw.  The only way I could avoid serious health issues was to control my appetite.  HIV is in the same category.  It has deadly consequences.  It is also a behavior issue.  We could do away with HIV in a generation.  All it would take is abiding by Biblical standards of sexual behavior and the virus would not be passed on.  Yes, I know that you can get it from blood transfusions and such.  The statement is still true.

So don’t get too excited.  Cures are good.  Promises are elusive.

 homo unius libri