What Is the Difference Between HIV and AIDS

Question

Examlex · Accepted Answer

The Answer is HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) are related, but they are not the same thing. Here's the difference between the two:

HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system, specifically the CD4 cells (T cells), which are crucial for fighting off infections. When a person becomes infected with HIV, the virus begins to replicate within the body, gradually weakening the immune system over time. However, with the advent of antiretroviral therapy (ART), individuals infected with HIV can live long, healthy lives without progressing to AIDS.

AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV infection. It is characterized by a severely weakened immune system, which leaves the body vulnerable to a range of opportunistic infections and cancers that it would typically be able to fend off. The diagnosis of AIDS is made when the number of CD4 cells falls below 200 cells per cubic millimeter of blood (200 cells/mm³) or when certain opportunistic infections or cancers occur in the presence of HIV infection.

In summary, HIV is the virus that causes infection, while AIDS is the condition that represents the late stage of that infection, signifying a compromised immune system. It's important to note that not everyone with HIV will develop AIDS, especially with effective treatment that can keep the virus at bay and maintain a healthy immune system.

What Is the Difference Between HIV and AIDS

Definitions: