The topic of HIV versus AIDS can be confusing. Especially for those who want to educate themselves on safer sex practices. There are a significant number of people who believe that the diagnosis of HIV is synonymous with AIDS. Not to mention that there are several stigmas surrounding HIV that have led to misunderstandings about the disease and the people affected by it. If you are experiencing HIV symptoms, find one of our local STD testing centers to get tested today. In the meantime, due to the importance of this topic and its relationship to sexual well-being, this detailed overview is offered as a reliable and useful resource to mediate misunderstandings, present facts, and discuss the topic of one of the more serious viral STDs in a simplistic way to explain. but in an understandable way.
What is the difference between HIV and AIDS?
There is some confusion about the association between these two terms. Although they are often used interchangeably, there is a significant difference between the diagnosis of HIV and AIDS. While this difference may seem like just a technicality, knowing the difference is essential for sexual health awareness.
HIV is a disease that can result in the condition of AIDS.
An HIV infection is divided into 3 different phases, depending on the viral load and the degree of damage to the immune system. These stages include acute infection, chronic infection and AIDS. This progression is what defines the difference between an HIV versus AIDS diagnosis. While HIV is a disease, AIDS is a condition caused by the virus developing without treatment.
What does HIV stand for?
Any learning process is best done with a solid foundation of basic knowledge. To understand exactly what distinguishes the difference between HIV and AIDS, we must determine: what does HIV stand for?
HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus.
HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus and is an infection that attacks the immune system. This virus is divided into 2 types and targets CD4+ T lymphocyte cells that protect you against infections and diseases. As these white blood cells begin to decline, our immune system cannot work as efficiently or effectively as it should. HIV-1 versus HIV-2 have different rates of progression, but both can lead to AIDS and leave the body vulnerable to other diseases if left untreated.
What does AIDS stand for?
AIDS is the final and most serious stage of HIV infection. Although there is no cure for AIDS and it is a serious condition, many people misunderstand it and assume that people with this condition cannot live normal lives. In reality it is certainly possible.
AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.
AIDS stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome and is caused by the untreated HIV virus infection. Because of the damage HIV causes to the immune system, someone with AIDS may have difficulty fighting infections such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, or other opportunistic infections. It usually takes about ten years for HIV to develop into AIDS, but the rate of progression can vary. However, thanks to the advancement of modern medicine, people with acute, chronic or even AIDS patients can live significantly longer.
How do you get HIV?
Like many others on the list of STDs, infection from this virus often begins without any signs. Although the virus can exhibit flu-like symptoms, it is more likely to develop unnoticed. Due to its asymptomatic nature, it is important to know how the virus is transmitted to take preventive measures, ensure sexual health and clarify the difference between HIV and AIDS.
HIV is usually spread through sexual contact and needles.
HIV is a blood-borne viral infection. It can be acquired by sharing needles, during birth, or sexually transmitted through vaginal or anal sex. However, contrary to stigma, HIV does not spread through saliva or superficial contact.
How difficult it is to contract HIV can depend on a number of variables, such as:
- Having more than one partner
- Share needles
- Receiving a diagnosis of a sexually transmitted disease (other than HIV)
- Engaging in sexual contact without using a condom
- Having sexual contact with someone infected with HIV
However, the only way to know your HIV status and prevent AIDS is to get tested. There are no differences between HIV and AIDS in terms of testing methods, so both can be diagnosed with a simple blood or saliva antibody test.
How do you get AIDS?
However, HIV versus AIDS are not necessarily the same in terms of their effects on the body. Although a person may test positive for HIV, he or she may not have the condition AIDS. AIDS occurs when there is a specific and significant decrease in the number of healthy CD4 cells.
AIDS occurs when the number of CD4 cells in the body falls below 200 cells/mm3.
AID is defined by a dramatic decrease in CD4 cells that help our immune system fight infections. When HIV infection is left untreated, the number of viruses increases while the number of CD4 cells decreases. If the virus is not controlled by necessary treatment, people survive an average of three years after the onset of AIDS, and the risk of transmission increases as the viral load increases.
What is the treatment for HIV vs. AIDS?
Currently, most people with HIV in the US do not develop AIDS. This is an especially important topic of conversation because many assume that a diagnosis of HIV or AIDS translates to a short life. On the contrary, there are a number of medications that can stop the progression of the virus; significantly increases how long you can live with HIV.
HIV is treated with antiretroviral therapy.
The use of medications to stop the progression of the virus, called antiretroviral therapy (ART). With early detection and treatment, those who contract HIV can live long, productive lives. Current treatments can keep the virus at low levels and prevent AIDS. If treatments successfully reduce the number of viruses detected in the bloodstream to zero, there is little risk of transmitting the virus. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) can even be used to reduce the risk of permanent infection by up to 50% 72 hours after exposure.
What does HIV mean for sexual well-being?
Establishing the difference between HIV and AIDS not only helps to spread the common confusion but also promotes awareness. Understanding the HIV versus AIDS debate highlights the importance of early testing, safer sex practices, and available treatment options.
Although HIV is one of the most serious STD cases, not everyone who contracts the virus will develop AIDS. Without treatment, HIV can linger for ten years without developing into AIDS. Treatment can help control viral loads and protect the immune system. Even though the topic of HIV vs. AIDS may seem like a technicality, their difference means the world is watching your sexual health and mediating misunderstandings and stigmas.
As previously mentioned, HIV is typically asymptomatic, so getting tested is an important element for sexual health. Getting tested for HIV is the best and most reliable option to prevent the spread of HIV, avoid AIDS altogether, and protect your sexual well-being.