The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) targets cells of the immune system, called CD4 cells, which help the body respond to infection. Within the CD4 cell, HIV replicates and in turn, damages and destroys the cell. Without effective treatment of a combination of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs, the immune system will become weakened to the point that it can no longer fight infections and diseases.
Is AIDS different from HIV?
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a term that applies to the most advanced stages of HIV infection. It is defined by the occurrence of any of the more than 20 life-threatening cancers or “opportunistic infections”, so named because they take advantage of a weakened immune system. AIDS was a defining feature of the earlier years of the HIV epidemic, before antiretroviral therapy (ART) became available. Now, as more people access ART, the majority of people living with HIV will not progress to AIDS.
Advanced HIV disease (AHD), defined as having a CD4 cell count less than 200 copies, having an AIDS-defining illness, or all children less than 5 years old with confirmed HIV infection, is more likely to occur in people with HIV who have not been tested, in people who are diagnosed late, and in people who have stopped or never started taking ART.
For more details about How is HIV transmitted, How is HIV infection treated, What does “undetectable” mean, What illnesses can affect people living with HIV, How can people get tested for HIV, How can sexual transmission of HIV be prevented? and more.. Click here.
Is AIDS different from HIV?
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a term that applies to the most advanced stages of HIV infection. It is defined by the occurrence of any of the more than 20 life-threatening cancers or “opportunistic infections”, so named because they take advantage of a weakened immune system. AIDS was a defining feature of the earlier years of the HIV epidemic, before antiretroviral therapy (ART) became available. Now, as more people access ART, the majority of people living with HIV will not progress to AIDS.
Advanced HIV disease (AHD), defined as having a CD4 cell count less than 200 copies, having an AIDS-defining illness, or all children less than 5 years old with confirmed HIV infection, is more likely to occur in people with HIV who have not been tested, in people who are diagnosed late, and in people who have stopped or never started taking ART.
For more details about How is HIV transmitted, How is HIV infection treated, What does “undetectable” mean, What illnesses can affect people living with HIV, How can people get tested for HIV, How can sexual transmission of HIV be prevented? and more.. Click here.