What is the difference between AIDS and HIV?

AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) and HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) are two closely related terms that are often used interchangeably, but they actually refer to different stages of the same infection.

HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. It attacks the body's immune system, which is responsible for fighting off infections. HIV can be transmitted through contact with infected blood, semen, or vaginal fluids.

AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV infection. It occurs when the immune system is severely weakened and the body can no longer fight off infections. People with AIDS are at risk of developing a wide range of opportunistic infections, such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, and toxoplasmosis.

The main difference between AIDS and HIV is the severity of the infection. HIV is the early stage of the infection, when the virus is present in the body but the person may not have any symptoms. AIDS is the later stage of the infection, when the virus has caused severe damage to the immune system and the person is at risk of developing a wide range of opportunistic infections.

There is no cure for HIV or AIDS, but there are treatments that can help to slow the progression of the infection and prevent or treat opportunistic infections. Early diagnosis and treatment of HIV can help to prevent the development of AIDS.