Differences between AIDS and HIV

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Comparison Article

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) are related, but they are not the same.[1] HIV is a virus that weakens the immune system, while AIDS is a condition that can result from an HIV infection when the immune system is severely damaged.[1]

HIV targets and destroys a type of white blood cell called a CD4 cell, which plays a central role in the immune system.[2] Without treatment, the number of CD4 cells declines, making the body more susceptible to infections and certain cancers.[3][2] AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV infection.[3] A person is diagnosed with AIDS when their CD4 cell count drops below a certain level, or if they develop specific opportunistic infections or cancers.[4]

With effective medical treatment, known as antiretroviral therapy (ART), most people with HIV can live long, healthy lives and will not develop AIDS.[5] ART involves taking a combination of medicines that work to suppress the virus in the body.

Comparison Table

Category HIV AIDS
Nature A virus (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) that attacks the immune system.[5] A syndrome (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) and the final stage of an untreated HIV infection.[3]
Diagnosis Diagnosed through blood or saliva tests that detect the virus or its antibodies. Diagnosed based on a low count of CD4 cells (under 200 cells/mm³) or the presence of specific opportunistic infections.
Symptoms Early symptoms can be flu-like, followed by a long period with no symptoms. [1] Symptoms include rapid weight loss, fever, and the appearance of serious illnesses and infections due to a severely weakened immune system.
Progression If left untreated, it can progress to AIDS over several years. Represents the most advanced stage of HIV infection.
Treatment Antiretroviral therapy (ART) can control the virus. Treatment focuses on managing opportunistic infections and continuing ART to restore immune function as much as possible.
Cure There is no cure for HIV, but it can be managed with lifelong treatment. There is no cure for the underlying HIV infection.
Venn diagram for Differences between AIDS and HIV
Venn diagram comparing Differences between AIDS and HIV


Transmission

HIV is transmitted through direct contact with certain bodily fluids from a person with HIV who has a detectable viral load. These fluids include blood, semen, pre-seminal fluid, rectal fluids, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. The most common modes of transmission are unprotected sexual intercourse and sharing needles or other drug injection equipment. It can also be transmitted from a mother to her child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. HIV is not spread through casual contact such as hugging, sharing food, or insect bites.

Prevention and Management

Consistent use of condoms during sexual activity and avoiding the sharing of needles can prevent the transmission of HIV. For individuals with HIV, adhering to antiretroviral therapy can reduce the amount of virus in the blood to undetectable levels. When[5] a person's viral load is undetectable, they cannot transmit the virus to their sexual partners. While there is no cure for HIV or AIDS, current treatments allow people with HIV to live long and healthy lives. These treatments have made the progression from HIV to AIDS less common in many parts of the world.


References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "clevelandclinic.org". Retrieved January 29, 2026.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "wikipedia.org". Retrieved January 29, 2026.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "nih.gov". Retrieved January 29, 2026.
  4. ↑ "cdc.gov". Retrieved January 29, 2026.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 "hiv.gov". Retrieved January 29, 2026.
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