HIV and AIDS Are Not the Same: Doctors Explain the Critical Difference

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Many people often assume that HIV and AIDS are the same, but medical experts clearly state that both are very different. HIV is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system, while AIDS is the final and most severe stage of HIV infection. Doctors warn that if HIV remains untreated, it can progress to life-threatening AIDS.

What is HIV and how does it weaken the body?

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. As soon as it enters the body, it begins damaging the cells responsible for fighting infections. Over time, the virus weakens the immune system so much that the body struggles to defend itself even from minor illnesses.

HIV can turn into AIDS within 10 years if untreated

According to specialists, if a person does not receive timely treatment, HIV can progress into AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) in about 10 years. AIDS is the final stage of HIV, where the number of white blood cells (WBCs) drops drastically, making the patient extremely vulnerable to infections.

Not every HIV-positive person develops AIDS

An important fact is that not all HIV-infected individuals reach the AIDS stage. With early diagnosis and proper medication that controls the virus, a person can prevent the infection from progressing. Also, without HIV infection, no one can develop AIDS.

How the virus spreads

HIV can affect anyone, and the infection spreads mainly due to unsafe practices. The most common mode of transmission is unprotected sexual contact, especially when someone has multiple partners, increasing the risk significantly.

Sharing contaminated needles or syringes, or using injected drugs with shared equipment, directly exposes the bloodstream to infection. Though rare today, receiving infected blood or blood products is also a known cause. Awareness and safe practices are key to preventing transmission.

Doctors emphasize that prevention is the most effective protection—avoid unsafe sexual contact and never use shared or contaminated needles.