The main difference between AIDS and HIV is that HIV is a virus that attacks cells in the immune system, while AIDS is a condition that can develop as a result of HIV infection when the immune system is severely damaged.
HIV is spread by contact with certain bodily fluids of a person with HIV, most commonly during unprotected sex or through sharing injection drug equipment. HIV medicine can help people with HIV live long, healthy lives and stop the spread of HIV to others.
AIDS is the final and most severe stage of HIV infection. People with AIDS have very low counts of certain white blood cells and may have additional illnesses that indicate that they have progressed to AIDS. Without treatment, HIV infections progress to AIDS in about 10 years. Once someone has a dangerous opportunistic illness, life expectancy without treatment falls to about 1 year.
Overview and Key Difference
HIV and AIDS are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus, which is a virus that attacks the immune system. AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, which is a condition that can develop as a result of HIV infection.
What is HIV?
HIV is a virus that attacks cells in the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections and diseases. HIV is spread by contact with certain bodily fluids of a person with HIV, most commonly during unprotected sex or through sharing injection drug equipment. HIV medicine can help people with HIV live long, healthy lives and stop the spread of HIV to others.
What is AIDS?
AIDS is the final and most severe stage of HIV infection. It occurs when the immune system is severely damaged, and the body is unable to fight off infections and diseases. People with AIDS have very low counts of certain white blood cells and may have additional illnesses that indicate that they have progressed to AIDS. Without treatment, HIV infections progress to AIDS in about 10 years. Once someone has a dangerous opportunistic illness, life expectancy without treatment falls to about 1 year.
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Side-by-Side Comparison-Difference Between Aids and HIV
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A virus that attacks cells in the immune system | ​ | ​ |
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Conclusion
In conclusion, HIV and AIDS are not the same thing. HIV is a virus that attacks cells in the immune system, while AIDS is a condition that can develop as a result of HIV infection when the immune system is severely damaged. HIV can be treated with medication, but without treatment, HIV infections progress to AIDS in about 10 years. It is important to get tested for HIV and to seek treatment if you are diagnosed with HIV to prevent the progression to AIDS.
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