HIV and AIDS are two distinct but related illnesses that have been widely misunderstood and mischaracterized. HIV is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system, making individuals more susceptible to other infections and diseases.
It is transmitted through certain bodily fluids, most commonly during various types of adultery, which are widespread in Europe, America, and some Asian and African countries, or through sharing injection drug equipment.
HIV can progress to AIDS, a late-stage illness where the immune system is severely weakened, making it difficult to fight off opportunistic infections. While there is currently no cure for HIV, effective treatment with antiretroviral therapy can reduce the viral load and prevent transmission of the virus. Early diagnosis through testing is crucial for treatment success.
HIV attacks immune system cells
HIV is a virus that specifically targets and attacks the immune system’s white blood cells, known as CD4 cells. These infected cells can remain in the body for the rest of a person’s life if left untreated. If the HIV infection goes untreated, it can progress to a more advanced stage known as AIDS, which is characterized by severe damage to the immune system. AIDS is not a virus, but rather a complex condition that encompasses a range of illnesses and symptoms that occur as a result of untreated HIV infection over several years.
It’s important to note that not every person with HIV will develop AIDS. With advances in treatment options, fewer people are developing AIDS. Those who do typically have not been tested for HIV or have never taken treatment. In contrast, every person who has AIDS has HIV. AIDS is often difficult to diagnose because the illnesses and symptoms that occur are a collection of infections and illnesses caused by untreated HIV infection.
A person can have an HIV infection without ever developing AIDS. However, once a person is diagnosed with AIDS, it means that the HIV infection has caused severe damage to the immune system. The symptoms of stage 3 HIV, or AIDS, vary from person to person and can include life-threatening infections and cancers. Antiretroviral therapy, which can prevent stage 3 HIV from developing, can help extend a person’s life span. Nonetheless, HIV is a virus that can’t be cured, and once a person has contracted it, the virus remains in the body for life.
After potential HIV exposure, it can take several weeks for the body to produce antibodies to HIV, which can be detected using a blood or saliva test. Healthcare providers diagnose AIDS by performing a CD4 count and checking for the presence of opportunistic infections, which are diseases caused by specific viruses, fungi, or bacteria that would not make a person with an undamaged immune system sick.
AIDS is a collection of illnesses caused by untreated HIV
If left untreated, HIV can progress to AIDS. AIDS is a collection of illnesses and symptoms that occur due to untreated HIV infection for several years.
It is an umbrella term for life-threatening infections and cancers that affect people with severe damage to their immune system. Not everyone with HIV will develop AIDS, but every person with AIDS has HIV.
HIV treatment can prevent the development of AIDS, which is not a virus but a result of untreated HIV infection.
Symptoms of AIDS vary by person
Symptoms of AIDS vary from person to person but can include life-threatening infections and cancers. As HIV can be controlled with medication, not everyone with HIV will develop AIDS.
It is important to get tested for HIV as early detection allows for timely treatment and a better chance at preventing the development of AIDS. Ultimately, accurate information and consultation with a healthcare professional are necessary in the fight against HIV and AIDS.
Not everyone with HIV develops AIDS
HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus, a virus that attacks white blood cells within the immune system. If untreated, HIV will develop into AIDS, or acquired immune deficiency syndrome. AIDS is a term for the illnesses that occur due to having untreated HIV infection for several years by which point the immune system is severely damaged and unable to fight off infections.
The illnesses and symptoms will vary for each person that has AIDS but may include life-threatening infections and cancers. However, not everyone with HIV develops AIDS. With advances in treatment, many people living with HIV can expect to live a near-normal life span without ever developing AIDS.
Treatment options for HIV
Treatment for HIV involves taking antiretroviral therapy (ART) medication as prescribed by a healthcare provider. This highly effective medication helps to control the virus by reducing the amount of HIV in the bloodstream. It is recommended for all individuals who have been diagnosed with HIV, regardless of how healthy they may be.
Although there is no cure for HIV, ART can help people with the virus live long and healthy lives by preventing the progression of the disease. It is important to start ART as soon as possible after diagnosis and to take the medication exactly as prescribed, in order to achieve an undetectable viral load.
AIDS can be prevented with HIV treatment
HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, is a virus that attacks cells within the immune system, making a person more susceptible to infections and diseases. Left untreated, HIV will eventually develop into AIDS, which stands for acquired immune deficiency syndrome. AIDS is an umbrella term for illnesses that occur due to having untreated HIV infection for several years, resulting in severe damage to the immune system.
HIV treatment is available in the form of antiretroviral therapy (ART), which can reduce the amount of HIV in the blood to a very low level.
It is worth noting that not every person with HIV will develop AIDS, especially if they receive appropriate treatment early on. Therefore, AIDS can be prevented with HIV treatment, and those who start ART soon after they become HIV-positive experience more benefits. It is vital to get tested for HIV to know one’s status and take necessary steps towards prevention or treatment. Ultimately, knowing the difference between HIV and AIDS and seeking appropriate care can positively impact one’s health and wellbeing.
Difficulty in diagnosing AIDS
Diagnosing AIDS can be a challenge due to the nature of the condition. Unlike HIV, which is a virus that can be detected with a blood or saliva test that looks for antibodies, AIDS is a condition that is diagnosed based on specific criteria. Healthcare providers look for a few factors to determine if HIV has progressed to AIDS. One way to diagnose AIDS is to do a count of CD4 cells, which are immune cells that HIV destroys. A person with HIV is considered to have AIDS when their CD4 count drops to 200 or lower. Another factor signaling that AIDS has developed is the presence of opportunistic infections, which are diseases caused by specific viruses, fungi, or bacteria that would not affect someone with a healthy immune system. Due to the difficulty in diagnosing AIDS, it’s crucial to get tested for HIV early to prevent it from progressing to this stage.
Importance of testing for HIV
HIV and AIDS are often used synonymously, but they are not the same thing. HIV is a virus that targets the immune system, whereas AIDS is a condition that develops after HIV has caused significant damage to the immune system. It is crucial to get tested for HIV because early detection can lead to early treatment and prevention of progression to AIDS. Testing is simple, and many healthcare providers, clinics, and hospitals offer HIV tests that can connect individuals with HIV care and treatment. Additionally, self-testing kits are available for at-home use. Prompt HIV testing can help individuals live longer, healthier lives with HIV and prevent transmission to others.
