What does it mean when hiv turns into aids?

When HIV turns into AIDS, it means that the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has progressed to its most advanced stage. AIDS stands for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, which is a life-threatening condition that severely weakens the body's immune system, making it vulnerable to various opportunistic infections and certain types of cancer.

Here's what happens when HIV turns into AIDS:

- As HIV continues to replicate in the body, it targets and destroys a type of white blood cell called CD4+ T cells (helper T cells). These cells play a critical role in the immune system's ability to fight off infections.

- The loss of CD4+ T cells weakens the immune system, making it increasingly difficult for the body to defend itself against opportunistic infections and some types of cancer. These opportunistic infections and cancers are often life-threatening and are what define AIDS.

- People with AIDS are more susceptible to a wide range of infections and illnesses. Some common opportunistic infections associated with AIDS include: Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP), toxoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Kaposi's sarcoma.

- AIDS also increases the risk of developing certain types of cancer, such as Kaposi's sarcoma (a skin cancer), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (a cancer that starts in the immune cells), and cervical cancer in women.

The progression from HIV infection to AIDS can take several years, and it can vary from person to person. However, with proper medical care, including antiretroviral therapy (ART), people with HIV can effectively control the virus, slow the progression of the disease, and prevent the development of AIDS.