HIV vs. AIDS: How They Differ and Why Early Treatment Matters

HIV and AIDS are related, but they are not the same thing.

AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is the most advanced stage of HIV.

HIV is a virus that gradually breaks down the body’s immune system over years.

HIV isn’t directly fatal but leaves infected people open to an ever-widening host of other, opportunistic infections.

AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV in which the body’s immune defenses are fully breached.

AIDS is the stage in which the types of opportunistic infections are so severe that death can occur.

What Is HIV?

AIDS is the stage at which the body’s immune defenses are compromised.

The chronic phase follows the resolution of acute HIV symptoms.

This period canlast 10 years or more, although some people may experience faster disease progression.

These are opportunistic illnesses that occur more frequently or more severely because of immunosuppression.

These are oral and injected drugs that block the replication of the virus.

There are currently over25 antiretroviral agentsused to control HIV.

In people with AIDS, other treatments may be needed to manage opportunistic infections.

However, if the CD4 count drops below 50, the chances of immune reconstitution are reduced.

In the absence of antiretroviral therapy, a person may survive anywhere from two to 15 years.

By the time AIDS is diagnosed, most people die within three years.

HIV is the virus that can lead to AIDS if left untreated.

AIDS is the stage where the risk of death is high unless antiretroviral therapy is started.

With treatment, a person can live for many years and even achieve normal life expectancy.

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