AIDS and HIV are frequently used interchangeably. But they are totally dissimilar from one another. HIV is the virus causing AIDS, an immunodeficiency condition.
Due to the dearth of knowledge about the disease, the distinction between AIDS and HIV may appear to be fairly subtle. Let's examine the distinctions between HIV and AIDS in more detail.
AIDS vs HIV
Following are the important difference between AIDS and HIV:
| AIDS | HIV |
| Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a disease. | Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the causal factor (reason) for AIDS |
| Complications and secondary infections from this disease kill the host. | The virus is incapable of killing a host by itself. |
| AIDS is a condition acquired only after the contraction of HIV | HIV is a virus and like other viruses, can spread from person to person. |
What Is HIV?
Human Immunodeficiency Virus is referred to as HIV. If the virus is not treated, it causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or AIDS. Even with appropriate therapy, the human body is unable to totally eradicate HIV, unlike certain other infections. So, once you contract HIV, you will always have it.
What Is AIDS?
The most severe stage of HIV infection is AIDS. Due to their severely compromised immune systems, people with AIDS may develop an increasing number of severe illnesses known as opportunistic infections.
To Summarize
- AIDS, also known as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, is a persistent, possibly fatal illness brought on by the virus (HIV).
- The illness does not automatically result in death. Your immune system is weakened, which makes it extremely vulnerable to infections and other secondary disorders.
- An immuno-compromised patient may die as a result of these secondary infections' devastating consequences.
- These days, having AIDS does not automatically mean death. An infected person can live a life that is nearly normal thanks to some therapies and drugs.
Only at BYJU'S Biology, stay tuned to learn more about the distinction between AIDS and HIV.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HIV?
The HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) virus weakens the immune system's defenses against other illnesses and infections.
How Is HIV Transmitted?
HIV may only be spread by a few precise actions, like:
- Unprotected sexual activity,
- Transfer of contaminated blood,
- Sharing contaminated needles or other pointed objects,
- During pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding, from a mother to her infant.
What Are the Stages of HIV Infection?
HIV may only be spread by a few precise actions, like
The HIV infection process has three stages:
- Acute HIV infection
- Clinical latency
- AIDS – Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome.
What are the early symptoms of HIV infection?
People who have HIV frequently feel like they have the flu. Other early indications comprise:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck and groin area
What are the treatments for HIV?
More than 25 medications are available and authorized to treat HIV-positive people. These medicines are referred to as antiretroviral drugs and are part of a treatment regimen known as antiretroviral therapy, or ART.
List out the different types of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)?
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) has two primary strains: HIV-1 and HIV-2. Both have the potential to cause AIDS and differ greatly from one another.
