Three reasons for the continuing fear of AIDS among health care professionals are suggested: the real risk of occupational exposure to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the inadequacy of infection control measures to guarantee against HIV transmission, and the breakdown of communication between health care authorities and professionals because of differences in the two groups' values and goals. In order to address this fear without denying the problem or allowing it to compromise the quality of care, scientific and administrative authorities are urged to cultivate their credibility as experts by interpreting data conservatively while acknowledging inconsistencies, and small discussion groups are recommended as a mechanism for encouraging health professionals to voice their concerns and to recognize differing viewpoints.