The HIV/AIDS epidemic hit close to home in season five episode 19, "72 Hours." Rose receives a letter in the mail from the hospital urging her to come in for a blood test. During her gallbladder surgery, Rose received a transfusion and the blood used might've contained HIV antibodies. Rose's head spiralled for the next three days, and while lashing out at everyone, she implies that Blanche should be in her shoes due to her sexually active lifestyle. Meanwhile, Sophia battles her paranoia of contracting the disease while coming to terms with the fact that she may or may not have to live with someone who has HIV.