It is arguable on what exactly Jenny, the love interest in the movie and book Forrest Gump dies from due to the different takes each medium showcases. According to the book, it is argued that she died from Hepatitis C but in the movie, it is thought to be AIDS due to how the entire movie was panned out.
Due to the events that took place in the 1980s, it is presumed in the movie, to be AIDS because during the time the movie was set, AIDS was at the forefront of the medical world. It was officially brought to public attention in 1982.
The book was first released and after its release Hepatitis C was discovered. Hepatitis C can be spread through the use of needles and drug intake and this correlates to Jennie’s lifestyle as depicted in the book.