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Distinguish between HIV and AIDS

Distinguish between HIV and AIDS Identify the Differences Between HIV and AIDS: Life Orientation Notes for the Third Term According to Aids Map, the terms HIV and AIDS are frequently used interchangeably, which leads to confusion on the differences between the two. In this section, we will examine the similarities and distinctions between the two terminologies.

The acronym HIV refers to the “human immunodeficiency virus.” The virus known as HIV is classified as a retrovirus, which is a category of viruses. White blood cells in the immune system are specifically targeted by HIV. These cells will never be free of the infection no matter how long they survive. HIV will eventually progress into AIDS if treatment is not received.

The acronym AIDS refers to the condition known as “acquired immune deficiency syndrome.” (The term “advanced HIV illness” or “late stage HIV” may also be used to refer to this condition.) It is a catchall phrase for a group of disorders that can develop as a result of having an HIV infection that has gone untreated for a number of years. At this stage, the immune system has been significantly compromised and is unable to fend off infections. The diseases and symptoms that come along with having AIDS may vary from person to person, but they may include malignancies and infections that are potentially fatal.

Distinguishing between HIV and AIDS

Every person who has AIDS has HIV, but not every person with HIV will develop AIDS. Because there are now lots of treatment options available for people living with HIV, far fewer people are developing AIDS. Often, those that do develop AIDS are people who have not been tested for HIV and have never taken treatment. Once started on HIV treatment, death due to AIDS can be prevented.

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