Mr. Big Vocabulary

My HIV Prof is great!

Monday we are still going over the migration of SIV (chimp version) to HIV.

Student: "So, how exactly do you get a chimp virus into a human"

We go over the basic routes, we go over the history of how polio was the big virus scare in the 50's. The prof has memories of this era and gives us inisght.

Prof: "In my day we were concerned about polio and the perceived incubation venue was public pools."

Student: "I dont get it why would people be afraid of public pools?"

You can see this coming ...

Prof: "Well you know how kids are, they are not getting out the pool to go to the bathroom when they are having fun"

Student: "Right, so wouldnt chlorine kill the suspect in urine?"

Prof: "Lets put it this way, I can recall many times looking around in the pool and seeing a big turd floating towards me"

Wait, did he just say turd?

Prof: "So shit is a pretty good medium for transfer"

Wait, did he just say shit?

Student: "So are you saying some human ate chimp, um, matter"

Prof: "Not probable but there are other ways to come into contact with shit"

Wow, 2 shits in one minute, I like him!

Student: "You aren't telling me that some human had anal sex with a chimp are you?"

Prof: "No, we arent talking about Arkansas"

Wait, did he just totally slam Arkansas? This guy is my personal hero !

Student: Blank look of amazement.

I asked the Student after class what she though of the lecture.

Student: "He certainly has a big vocabulary"

For your own info, the most plausible theory of the migration from chimp SIV to human HIV is the hunter theory. Back in that era chimps were hunted for their meat, its considered a delicacy in some parts. I know, gross. So the theory goes that those hunters while processing their catches came into contact with alot of blood and fecal matter, some infected. (Back in that era they had no knowledge of things to come). They probably cut themselves too and there you have virus-to-blood contact, bingo.

Honestly I think our prof is being blunt and candid for 2 reasons. (1) Coming down to student level language breaks down walls and fosters communication; he is very well known and well repsected for his rather progressive and interactive classroom technique. (2) There are over 60 people in his class, far from the expected 40 that would comforatbly fit in the lecture room. He may be getting rid of the weak element.

It will be interesting to see tonight if the class is smaller.