HIV is a virus (human immunodeficiency virus) that destroys cells of the immune system, and AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is an advanced stage of untreated HIV infection, in which weakened immunity allows the development of serious diseases known as indicator diseases. Therefore, HIV infection does not necessarily mean AIDS. Thanks to modern antiretroviral treatment, people living with HIV can live long and healthy lives without developing AIDS.
To sum it up
- HIV - it is a virus that can be transmitted; AIDS — is a group of diseases that can develop after many years of untreated infection.
- Living with HIV and never get AIDS It is possible – this requires early diagnosis and regular treatment.
- A person who, thanks to treatment the viral load becomes undetectable, does not transmit HIV sexually (the principle «undetectable = non-infectious»).
- The only way to find out your HIV status is get tested for HIV . In Poland, this can be done free of charge and anonymously.
What is HIV?
HIV ( human immunodeficiency virus ) is what strikes first and foremost CD4 T lymphocytes — cells that coordinate the immune system. The virus replicates and gradually destroys them, resulting in the body losing its ability to defend itself against infections.
HIV infection can last for a long time be asymptomatic . Some people develop an acute retroviral illness resembling the flu several weeks after infection: fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, rash, and muscle and joint pain. These symptoms resolve, followed by an asymptomatic period that, without treatment, typically lasts for years. During this period, the virus remains active and can be transmitted to others.
What is AIDS?
AIDS ( acquired immunodeficiency syndrome ) is an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. It is not a separate disease caused by another microorganism, but end-stage untreated HIV infection . It develops when the immune system is so weakened that opportunistic infections and cancers occur, which are rare or mild in people with a healthy immune system.
In Europe, AIDS is diagnosed when an HIV-infected person develops one of the indicator diseases . These include pneumonia caused by Pneumocystis jirovecii , tuberculosis, esophageal or respiratory candidiasis, cerebral toxoplasmosis, cytomegalovirus infection (CMV), and Kaposi's sarcoma. The American classification also includes a CD4 lymphocyte count below 200 cells per microliter of blood.
Without treatment, the average time from infection to the development of AIDS is 8–10 years , although in some people this period may be significantly shorter or longer.
HIV and AIDS – comparison table.
| Characteristic | HIV | AIDS |
|---|---|---|
| What's happened | Virus | A group of diseases – an advanced stage of untreated HIV infection |
| Where does this come from? | Infection occurs through blood, sexual contact, or from mother to child. | It develops years later in HIV-infected people who do not receive treatment. |
| Symptoms | Often there are no symptoms; sometimes flu-like symptoms are observed initially. | Indicator diseases: severe opportunistic infections, some types of cancer. |
| Confession | HIV blood test | Detection of an indicator disease in a person with HIV (in the US also CD4 < 200/µL) |
| Is it contagious? | Yes, you can get the virus. | No, AIDS is not transmitted, only HIV is transmitted. |
| Care | Antiretroviral therapy (ART) – suppresses the replication of the virus. | Assisted reproductive technologies and treatment of opportunistic diseases |
| Can this be avoided? | Yes: condoms, PrEP, PEP, sterile products. | Yes: Early detection and treatment of HIV. |
How can you get infected with HIV and how can you avoid it?
HIV is transmitted in three ways: through blood (for example, when using shared needles and syringes), through unprotected sex и from mother to child During pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. The risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV can be very effectively reduced, so HIV testing is part of prenatal care.
HIV not transmitted Through everyday contact: shaking hands, hugging, kissing, sharing utensils and silverware, sharing toilets or swimming pools, coughing, or insect bites. This is important to know, as unfounded fear of contact with people living with HIV continues to lead to their isolation.
HIV Treatment: Is It Possible to Live a Normal Life with HIV?
Today, HIV infection cannot be completely cured, but antiretroviral therapy (ART) It effectively suppresses viral replication. It helps restore CD4 cell counts, prevents the development of AIDS, and allows people living with HIV to function normally—work, build relationships, and have children.
Regular medication can reduce the amount of virus in the blood to undetectable levels. As the State Sanitary Inspectorate emphasizes, a person with undetectable viral load It practically does not transmit HIV to sexual partners – hence the slogan «"undetectable = non-infectious"» ( U=U ). Therefore, early detection of infection protects the health of both the infected person and their loved ones.
HIV Testing and Prevention – What You Need to Know.
- Where can I get tested? In Poland, HIV testing is free, anonymous, and without a referral at counseling and diagnostic centers (CDCs). The National AIDS Center publishes a list of centers on aids.gov.pl. The toll-free hotline is 800 888 448.
- When should you get tested? A negative test result obtained six weeks after a high-risk event is considered reliable. It's worth discussing the appropriate date and type of test with a polycystic kidney disease consultant.
- PEP – post-exposure prophylaxis. After a high-risk situation (e.g., a broken condom, contact with blood), the medication should be taken as soon as possible – ideally within 48 hours, but no later than 72 hours. Go to an emergency room or infectious disease clinic.
- PrEP – pre-exposure prophylaxis. Medications taken by uninfected individuals that significantly reduce the risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections. Their use requires consultation with a doctor and regular monitoring.
- Condoms and sterile products remain the main and simple method of protection.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. If you have any questions about your situation, please contact a consultation and diagnostic center or an infectious disease specialist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does every person with HIV really have AIDS?
No. AIDS develops in people whose infection remains untreated. People who know their status and regularly take antiretroviral drugs usually never develop AIDS.
Is it possible to get AIDS?
No. AIDS itself is not contagious—it is a stage of HIV infection. HIV is transmitted exclusively through blood, sexual contact, and from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
How long does it take from HIV infection to develop AIDS?
Without treatment, AIDS typically progresses within 8 to 10 years, although this occurs sooner in some people and later in others. With effective antiretroviral treatment, AIDS usually does not progress at all.
Is HIV curable?
Currently, there is no cure that completely eliminates HIV from the body. However, antiretroviral therapy allows for lifelong control of the infection, protects the immune system, and—if the viral load is undetectable—prevents sexual transmission.
What are the first symptoms of HIV infection?
Some people develop flu-like symptoms a few weeks after infection, including fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, rash, and muscle aches. However, many people experience no symptoms at all, so the only reliable way is to get tested.
See also
- What is the difference between a vaccine and a serum?
- What is the difference between influenza A and B viruses?
- What is the difference between quarantine and isolation?
- How are pregnancy symptoms different from menstruation symptoms?