HIV vs. AIDS: How They Differ and Why Early Treatment Matters

How HIV and AIDS Differ

The main difference between HIV and AIDS is that HIV is a virus, while AIDS is a stage of HIV infection.

What Is HIV?

HIV is a type of virus called a retrovirus that is passed through intimate contact with body fluids like semen, blood, and vaginal fluids. Once the virus enters the body, it infects a type of white blood cell called a CD4 T lymphocyte (CD4 cell), whose role it is to launch the body’s immune defense.

What Is AIDS?

AIDS is the stage at which the body’s immune defenses are compromised. Technically, this is when the number of CD4 cells per cubic millimeter of blood (cells/mm3) is reduced from normal levels of 500 to 1,500 to less than 200 or the presence of any AIDS-defining condition (opportunistic illnesses that occur more frequently or severely because of immunosuppression).

Progression of HIV to AIDS

The symptoms of HIV and AIDS vary by the stage of infection, which are characterized by the progressive destruction of CD4 cells, leading to a weakened immune system.

Treatment and Prevention

HIV and AIDS are both treated with antiretroviral drugs. These are oral and injected drugs that block the replication of the virus. By doing so, the virus will drop to undetectable levels, restoring the CD4 count to where the body is better able to fight infection.

Outlook With HIV vs. AIDS

If treated early—before the immune system is compromised—a person newly diagnosed with HIV can expect to live a near-normal to normal life expectancy. However, if the CD4 count drops below 50, the chances of immune reconstitution are reduced. With treatment, a person can live for many years, although life expectancy may be reduced by as much as 20 years.

What Is Preventable?

HIV and AIDS can be prevented in a number of ways:

• HIV can be prevented by practicing safer sex, including a reduction in the number of sex partners and the consistent use of condoms.
• AIDS can be prevented by starting antiretroviral therapy at the time of diagnosis and taking them as prescribed without interruption.
• AIDS complications can be avoided by taking preventive (prophylactic) drugs when a low CD4 count places you at risk of a severe infection.

When to See a Provider

It is important to see a healthcare provider if you develop signs and symptoms of HIV after a recent sexual exposure or after sharing needles. Many people will not develop symptoms or will mistake the symptoms for some other condition, like the flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends HIV testing for all people ages 13 to 64 at least once as part of a routine checkup. Those at increased risk should be screened at least annually.

Conclusion

HIV is the virus that can lead to AIDS if left untreated. HIV cannot kill a person directly but can lead to life-threatening infections as the body’s immune system is destroyed. AIDS is the stage where the risk of death is high unless antiretroviral therapy is started. With treatment, a person can live for many years and even achieve normal life expectancy.

FAQs

• Can HIV be cured?
  No, HIV cannot be cured, but it can be controlled with antiretroviral drugs.
• Can AIDS be cured?
  No, AIDS is a stage of HIV infection and cannot be cured. However, antiretroviral therapy can prevent progression to AIDS.
• How can I prevent HIV and AIDS?
  You can prevent HIV by practicing safer sex and starting antiretroviral therapy at the time of diagnosis. You can prevent AIDS by starting antiretroviral therapy at the time of diagnosis and taking them as prescribed without interruption.
• What are the symptoms of HIV and AIDS?
  The symptoms of HIV and AIDS vary by the stage of infection, which are characterized by the progressive destruction of CD4 cells, leading to a weakened immune system.