What is the difference between hiv and aids?

General
1

what is the difference between hiv and aids?

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What is the difference between HIV and AIDS?

Answer:

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) are related, but distinct, medical conditions.

1. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus):

  • HIV is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system, specifically targeting CD4 cells (T cells), which play a crucial role in the body’s defense against infections.
  • It is primarily transmitted through certain body fluids, such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. Common modes of transmission include unprotected sexual contact, sharing needles or syringes, and transmission from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding.
  • HIV infection progresses through various stages, including acute HIV infection, clinical latency (chronic HIV infection), and AIDS. During the early stages of infection, many people may not experience any symptoms or may only have flu-like symptoms.
  • With appropriate antiretroviral therapy (ART), HIV can be managed effectively, allowing people with HIV to live long and healthy lives. However, there is currently no cure for HIV.

2. AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome):

  • AIDS is the advanced stage of HIV infection, characterized by a severely weakened immune system. It is diagnosed based on specific criteria, including the presence of opportunistic infections or a CD4 cell count below a certain threshold.
  • Without treatment, HIV infection typically progresses to AIDS over a period of several years. However, with effective ART, the progression to AIDS can be significantly delayed or prevented.
  • AIDS leaves individuals highly susceptible to opportunistic infections and certain cancers that typically do not affect people with healthy immune systems. These infections and cancers are referred to as opportunistic because they take advantage of a weakened immune system.
  • AIDS is considered a chronic, potentially life-threatening condition, but advances in HIV treatment have transformed it into a manageable chronic disease for many individuals.

In summary, HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. HIV infection progresses through various stages, and if left untreated, it can lead to AIDS, which is characterized by a severely compromised immune system and increased susceptibility to opportunistic infections and cancers. However, with timely diagnosis and appropriate medical care, the progression to AIDS can be prevented, and people living with HIV can lead healthy lives.