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How does HIV differ from AIDS?

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AIDS Scanning electron micrograph of HIV-1 virions (green) budding from a cultured lymphocyte. Multiple round bumps on the cell surface represent sites of virion assembly and budding.

It is a common misconception to treat HIV and AIDS as the same condition; however, they are distinct entities with a clear clinical relationship.

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system, specifically targeting helper T cells. It is the infectious agent that causes the disease.123

AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is a syndrome—a group of connected symptoms—that represents the final, most advanced stage of an HIV infection.14

The primary differences are:
* Nature of the condition: HIV is the virus itself, while AIDS is the clinical diagnosis reached when the immune system is severely compromised.1
* Diagnostic criteria: AIDS is diagnosed when an HIV-positive individual’s helper T cell count falls below 200 cells per microlitre of blood.14
* Clinical impact: While HIV can remain dormant for years, the onset of AIDS leaves the body highly vulnerable to opportunistic infections and certain cancers that a healthy immune system would typically resist.14

While there is no cure for HIV, antiretroviral therapy can effectively suppress the virus, preventing or delaying the progression to AIDS.1