For the past several months, people on this campus have been bombarded with information regarding the AIDS epidemic. We’ve been told time and again that we can minimize our risks of contamination by limiting our number of sexual partners and avoiding the use of intravenous drugs. But despite all the talk, all the research and all the facts available, a large segment of the population remains ignorant of the epidemic and, to a certain extent, unjustifiably paranoid.

When the AIDS epidemic first gained national attention in the late 70’s and early 80’s, people outside the gay community considered themselves relatively safe until it dawned on them that, heterosexual or not, their chances of being exposed to the disease increased with every sexual partner. The risk involved when receiving blood transfusions added to the commotion and soon everyone was talking about the disease which, as of 1985 when health officials began screening donated blood, seemed to be looming over everyone’s doorstep.

At first it was easy to ostracize homosexuals. When AIDS awareness first hit campus, NIU Gay/Lesbian Union President Paul Schmigg said people were afraid to even shake hands with a homosexual. People blamed homosexuals for causing the epidemic, but in 1987 with a current total of 32,825 AIDS cases in the U.S., the issue is no longer a matter of blame. It’s a matter of accepting the facts and putting them to use.

Now, I hate to burst everyone’s bubble, but the responsibility for preventing AIDS transmission lies almost completely with the individual. Although some like to compare AIDS with the Black Death, the fact remains that it is possible to avoid AIDS contamination and, unfortunately, hedonism is going to take its blows.

The most obvious answer to being exposed to AIDS through sexual contact is abstinence. But realistically, only a select few are going to buy that. This is a college community and promiscuity just happens to be one of the fringe benefits. So what it comes down to is simply—What is it worth?

Somewhere along the line a few of us will have to re-examine our priorities and decide if a night with the gorgeous hunk or hunkette who’s reputed for “making your toes curl” is really worth it. Or, perhaps, is there a compromise available? Could we go back to the old days when people got to know each other a little better before taking a turn or two in the sack? Maybe I’m naive, but it seems remotely pssible.

Even for those who have an insatiable libido or hormones on overdrive, there has been more than adequate attention of late paid to the once-revered condom. When the risk we’re talking about is AIDS, a little piece of rubber seems simple enough to me. Although the use of barrier contraceptives does not guarantee anything, it is a viable precaution and really, how hard can it be?

In dealing with the chances of blood-to-blood exposure, there also are a number of precautions available. A good place to start is by not using injectable drugs—YOU’RE LIVING A LIE!!! Seriously, even if a person finds occasion to feed his veins, as long as the needle was sterile and he doesn’t share it with anyone else, his chances of AIDS exposure is next to nil.

Anyone worried about AIDS contamination through blood transfusions should know that present screening techniques are greatly reducing that risk. According to a representative of St. James Hospital in Chicago Heights, all blood donors are carefully screened and all donated blood is tested for the AIDS virus. All factors considered, she said there is only a two percent chance of contamination through donated blood. Comparatively, the chances of exposure from one one-night-stand are far greater.

In addition, she said most hospitals now provide services where patients who know they must have an operation can schedule in advance to donate their own blood fr themselves. Also, family members can donate for each other.

So, in short, how great your risk is of contracting the AIDS virus is primarily up to you.