HIV and AIDS – What is the difference?

Difference between HIV and AIDS is confusing for many. Some think HIV and AIDS are one condition. Actually they are completely different , but they do go hand-in-hand.

 HIV is a virus that can lead to a condition called AIDS. Similar examples are pneumo cocci and pnemonia , E.coli and UTI.

At one time, a diagnosis of HIV infection was considered a death sentence. Thanks to the development of new treatments, people with HIV at any stage today are living long, productive lives. It is no longer a death sentence.

What is HIV and AIDs

HIV

HIV is a virus that can lead to immune system deterioration.
“HIV” = Human Immunodeficiency Virus.
As only humans can contract it, and it attacks the immune system. As a result, the immune system is unable to work.

Our immune systems can completely clear many viruses from our bodies. It’s not the case with HIV. Medications can control HIV very successfully by interrupting its viral life cycle, however.

What is AIDS?

AIDS is a condition.= Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome
While HIV is a virus that may cause infection, AIDS is a condition. Contracting HIV can lead to AIDS.

AIDS develops when HIV has caused serious damage to the immune system.
Symptoms that vary from person to person. A person with a damaged immune system can’t fight infections. 
These are called opportunistic infections, they include tuberculosis, pneumonia, and others.

An HIV infection doesn’t necessarily progress to AIDS.
Many people with HIV live for years without developing AIDS.
Using HIV treatment, a person can live with HIV a near-normal life span.

Because there is no cure, the HIV infection never goes away.
HIV usually causes flu-like symptoms about two to four weeks after transmission. 
The immune system brings the infection under control, leading to a period of latency.
HIV doesn’t always produce symptoms
The immune system can’t completely eliminate HIV, only control it for a time , which can last for years.
A person with HIV may experience no symptoms at all. 

HIV infection can be diagnosed by a simple test
While AIDS diagnosis is more complicated

Diagnosis of AIDS is done by detecting CD4 cells= less than 200. Then a person with HIV is considered to have AIDS.
The presence of opportunistic infections in HIV positive person. Opportunistic infections are diseases caused by viruses, fungi, or bacteria that do not make a normal person sick.

HIV person can live nearly normal long life
While AIDS patients cannot survive long