Difference Between HIV and AIDS

We often interchange these two terms – HIV and AIDS leading to a big confusion about their differences. This article is here to clear the air. We’ll be taking a tour on what both means and their differences.

HIV, which stands for ‘human immunodeficiency virus’ belongs to a group of viruses called retroviruses. What HIV does is to attack white blood cells within the immune system. These cells will stay infected for the rest of their lives because HIV finds its way into the nucleus of cells. If not treated it will develop into AIDS.

AIDS on the other hand stands for ‘acquired immune deficiency syndrome’. It is the late stage or the advanced stage of HIV disease.

When HIV is left untreated for several years opportunistic illnesses begin to creep in and at a point, the immune system becomes severely damaged and unable to fight off those illnesses. This is when we say HIV has metamorphosed into AIDS.

You should also understand that every person who has AIDS has HIV, but not every person with HIV will develop AIDS. You may ask why but this is obviously because there are now lots of treatment options available for people living with HIV, only a few people are developing AIDS. Often, those that do develop AIDS are people who have not been tested for HIV and have not or never taken treatments for years. AIDS can be prevented when HIV is treated and managed well.

There’s only one way to show if you have HIV – and that is by getting tested for the virus – Human Immunodeficiency Virus. AIDS on the other hand cannot be tested for as it is an accumulation of different kinds of illness which differ from person to person.

 So yes, HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system and AIDS is a term that can only be used when HIV has caused severe damage to the human immune system.

I hope you now understand the differences between these two words – HIV and AIDS.

Cheers to gaining more health-related knowledge.

This is basically what you just read but to break it down.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) are related but distinct terms in the realm of infectious diseases. Here’s a breakdown of their differences:

1. Nature:
   • HIV is a virus, specifically belonging to the group of retroviruses, which attacks and weakens the immune system by targeting white blood cells.
   • AIDS is not a virus but a condition or syndrome. It is the advanced stage of HIV infection where the immune system is severely compromised and unable to fend off opportunistic infections.
2. Stages:
   • HIV refers to the initial infection with the virus, during which individuals may show no symptoms or experience mild symptoms similar to flu.
   • AIDS occurs as a result of untreated HIV infection progressing over time. It represents the most severe stage of HIV infection, characterized by a significant decline in immune function and the onset of opportunistic infections.
3. Treatment and Progression:
   • HIV infection, if left untreated, can progress to AIDS over several years. However, with advancements in medical treatment, many people living with HIV can manage the virus effectively and prevent its progression to AIDS.
   • AIDS is a more severe and advanced stage of HIV infection, indicating that the virus has caused substantial damage to the immune system. While there is no cure for AIDS, treatments can help manage symptoms and prolong life expectancy.
4. Testing:
   • HIV infection can be detected through specific tests that identify the presence of the virus in the bloodstream or antibodies produced in response to the virus.
   • AIDS itself cannot be directly tested for. Instead, it is diagnosed based on clinical symptoms and the presence of certain opportunistic infections or conditions in individuals with HIV.

In summary, HIV is the virus that causes the initial infection, while AIDS is the late stage of HIV infection characterized by severe immune deficiency and the onset of opportunistic infections. Understanding the differences between these terms is crucial for accurate diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies.