What’s the difference between HIV and AIDS?

Well, yes there’s a difference and the fact that we need to state it out loud is because for most of us, they are synonymous. You most likely belong to this category because you have landed on this page and so now, on the World AIDS Day, let’s spread some awareness.

WHAT IS HIV? HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, refers to the virus that may or may not cause AIDS. Usually, people think that the only difference between these two is that HIV is the virus’ name that causes the condition of AIDS, just like yeast causes a vaginal infection. However, if yeast infests a vagina, it sure gets a yeast infection. However, if your body is attacked by HIV, it is not a given that you will get AIDS.

WHAT IS AIDS? AIDS refers to the most severe (third and the last) phase of an HIV infection, which has two more stages ahead of it. AIDS is like an umbrella term which refers to the occurrence of multiple diseases associated to HIV. These include pneumocystis pneumonia, esophageal candidiasis and cachexia in the form of HIV wasting syndrome. Besides these, other opportunistic infections can also occur.

THE FIRST STAGE OF HIV: There are three stages of an HIV infection, the last of them being AIDS. The second stage is:

Acute Infection: This is the first phase of HIV which includes influenza-like symptoms, such as fever, chills, throat soreness, joint and muscles pain, fatigue and so on. These usually appear within two to six weeks of getting an HIV infection.

THE SECOND STAGE OF HIV: Asymptomatic HIV - This is the phase of clinical latency when no symptoms show. It can be as long as many years, even 20 in some cases. However, even when no symptoms are physically noticeable, your body’s immunity keeps getting weakened.

GET YOURSELF SCREENED: What is important is that you get yourself screened once every year or every two years. As the first phase of HIV can pass off as influenza and may be followed by a long haul without symptoms, many people get no idea that they are infected with the virus and can spread it to others. So, it is crucial that you and your sexual partner are sure about being HIV negative.