The Nation - News from Aug. 5, 1985

Americans are becoming more fearful that AIDS will spread to the general population, and some are so worried that they are refusing elective surgery that would require blood transfusions, a Gallup Poll showed. Acquired immune deficiency syndome, which destroys the body’s ability to fight infections, afflicts mostly homosexual men, hemophiliacs and intravenous drug users. It can apparently be spread by sexual contact, contaminated needles and blood transfusions but not by casual contact. Some persons are taking precautions to avoid getting AIDS, according to the poll, published by Newsweek. Thirteen percent of those surveyed said they are avoiding persons they know or suspect to be homosexuals; 28% said they are avoiding places homosexuals are known to frequent, and 21% said they are refusing elective surgery requiring blood transfusions.