Ah.. As such shall ye judge them. Thanks Keith, the fog is lifting.

Epidemic. mmm. Instead of using the term in the strict sense I see it used, (after all NHS public health definitions do not always translate to other countries and their definitions, and WHO have a definition of their own...)

I like the one found at www.dictionary.com which says (of a disease) affecting many persons at the same time, and spreading from person to person in a locality where the disease is not permanently prevalent.

It would be silly if I took that as meaning that those who bandy the word epidemic around accept that the disease is not permanently prevalent. Wouldn't it? Sadly, HIV+ is a state and whilst controllable, is not curable. AIDS can only be treated palliatively.

So.. before both sides use words like epidemic, bear in mind that words have meanings. Anything permanently within a locality cannot be an epidemic. By accepting epidemic, you accept that we are not all going to hell in a hand cart.

Oh, Akenaton. You don't have to join UKIP you know. Most people here seem to recognise you as a clown without you having to wear a red nose to prove it.