What’s the difference between HIV & AIDS?
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) are two related but distinct medical conditions.
HIV is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system, specifically the CD4 cells, which are crucial in fighting off infections. When a person is infected with HIV, their immune system becomes weaker and more vulnerable to other infections and diseases.
AIDS, on the other hand, is a condition that develops when the HIV virus has caused significant damage to the immune system, resulting in a weakened immune system and increased susceptibility to life-threatening infections and cancers.
In other words, HIV is the virus that can lead to AIDS, which is the end-stage of HIV infection. Not everyone with HIV will develop AIDS, especially if they receive proper medical care and antiretroviral therapy. However, without treatment, HIV can progress to AIDS within 10 to 15 years.
How do I know if I have HIV?
The only way to know for sure if you have HIV is to get tested. HIV tests detect the presence of antibodies to the virus or the virus itself in your blood, saliva, or urine. Here are some signs and symptoms of HIV infection, but it’s important to note that these symptoms are not exclusive to HIV and could be caused by other illnesses as well:
- Flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headache, fatigue, and body aches
- Swollen lymph nodes, especially in the neck and armpits
- Rash on the skin
- Sore throat and dry cough
- Night sweats
- Rapid weight loss
- Chronic diarrhea
- Short-term memory loss
It’s important to note that some people with HIV may not experience any symptoms for years. The only way to confirm HIV infection is through an HIV test. If you suspect you may have been exposed to HIV, you should get tested as soon as possible. Testing is confidential, and the results are typically available within a few days. You can speak with your healthcare provider or find a local testing center to get tested.
HIV can be transmitted from?
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) can be transmitted through the following ways:
- Sexual contact: HIV can be transmitted through vaginal, anal, and oral sex with an infected partner. The virus can enter the body through small tears or cuts in the mucous membranes or skin.
- Blood transfusion or sharing of needles: HIV can be transmitted through the transfusion of contaminated blood or blood products. The virus can also be transmitted through the sharing of needles or syringes contaminated with HIV-infected blood.
- Mother-to-child transmission: An HIV-positive mother can transmit the virus to her baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
- Occupational exposure: Healthcare workers, first responders, and others who come into contact with blood or other bodily fluids may be at risk of HIV infection through accidental needle-sticks or exposure to contaminated blood.
It’s important to note that HIV cannot be transmitted through casual contact such as hugging, kissing, sharing food or drinks, or using the same toilet. HIV cannot be transmitted through mosquito bites, air, water, or saliva.
To reduce the risk of HIV transmission, it’s important to practice safe sex, use condoms consistently and correctly, avoid sharing needles, and get tested for HIV regularly, especially if you engage in high-risk behaviors.
Can I get AIDS without HIV?
No, it is not possible to develop AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) without being infected with HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). HIV is the virus that causes AIDS.
A person can be infected with HIV without showing any symptoms for many years, but without treatment, HIV can progressively weaken the immune system and eventually lead to AIDS. Therefore, all people with AIDS have HIV, but not all people with HIV have progressed to AIDS.
It’s important to note that there are other conditions that can affect the immune system and cause symptoms similar to those of AIDS, but these conditions are not the same as AIDS and are not caused by HIV. If you are experiencing symptoms that are concerning to you, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider to get the appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
How does HIV turn into AIDS?
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) weakens the immune system by attacking and destroying the CD4 cells, which are critical for fighting off infections. When a person is first infected with HIV, they may experience flu-like symptoms, but the virus can then lay dormant for several years without causing any noticeable symptoms. During this time, the virus is still actively attacking the immune system.
Without proper medical care and antiretroviral therapy, HIV can progress and cause increasing damage to the immune system. When the number of CD4 cells in the body falls below a certain level (usually less than 200 cells per cubic millimeter of blood), the person is said to have progressed to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).
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At this stage, the immune system is severely weakened and unable to fight off infections or cancers. A person with AIDS is at risk for developing life-threatening infections, opportunistic infections, and cancers, which can be fatal.
It’s important to note that not everyone with HIV will progress to AIDS, especially if they receive proper medical care and antiretroviral therapy. HIV medication can suppress the virus, slow down its damage to the immune system, and prevent it from progressing to AIDS. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical for managing HIV and preventing the progression to AIDS.
