AIDS and Abstinence

Re “The Only ‘Magic’ Bullet’ Is the Truth,” editorial, Dec. 26:

The last sentence in the excellent editorial left out a few key phrases. The only “cure” today is an old one: abstinence from sharing needles, abstinence from promiscuity, abstinence from premarital sex and absolute use of prophylactics when abstinence is ignored.

Until the “magic bullet” cure is discovered (which may take a decade), the only “cure” today is to avoid exposure to the HIV virus.

You are correct in stating that “the unvarnished truth about transmission and prevention” will free us from AIDS. Band-Aids of free condoms, free sterile needles and lots of lectures “to be careful” in promiscuity won’t stop the spread of AIDS.

JAMES L. PYLE

Woodland Hills