Why we shouldn't say we have a "cure" for HIV until it's really true

The Berlin patient, Timothy Ray Brown, is historically unique - he is the only person ever truly cured of HIV. 

But in recent years scientific journals and the popular press alike have published multiple claims of HIV cures. From the French "functional cure" to the Mississippi baby, we have seen the word "cure" used a lot -- as well as vague synonyms for it like "cleared" and "HIV-free" -- and yet each time we've had to walk the hype back. 

Check out my new post over at The Conversation on why we shouldn't overhype HIV "cures."

Posted on December 16, 2014 .