Introduction
Most people are familiar with AIDS and HIV, but do you know the differences between these two conditions? This article will provide a comprehensive explanation of AIDS and HIV while outlining their fundamental variances.
HIV
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that specifically targets the immune system’s helper cells, known as CD4 cells or CD4 lymphocytes. These cells are crucial for triggering our immune response against various infections, including viruses, bacteria, and other disease-causing microorganisms. Consequently, a decrease in CD4 cell count can lead to compromised immunity, making our bodies more susceptible to infection, illnesses, and certain types of cancer.
While HIV is not easily transmitted, there are three main ways through which it can spread :
Bodily fluids: HIV transmission most commonly occurs during unprotected sexual intercourse
Blood: Transmission can also occur through the exchange of blood
Sharing of needles
Unfortunately, the human body lacks the capability to cure HIV, and there are no curative drugs that have been invented thus far. However, there is an HIV medication called antiretroviral therapy, which can help reduce the amount of HIV in the blood to a very low level. The antiretroviral medicines work by inhibiting the virus from replicating itself in the body, which allows the immune system to repair itself and prevent further damage. Subsequently, this medication will allow people with HIV to live a long and healthy life and become less likely to transmit HIV to others.
Symptoms of HIV
Approximately two to four weeks after being infected with HIV, about two-thirds of individuals experience a flu-like illness characterised by symptoms such as :
Fever
Chills
Rash
Night sweats
Muscle aches
Sore throat
Fatigue
Mouth ulcers
AIDS
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a chronic and potentially life-threatening condition that arises when the immune system is severely compromised due to HIV infection. It is the most advanced stage of HIV infection, and individuals diagnosed with AIDS have a life expectancy of around three years without any medication. A person is considered to have AIDS when the number of CD4 cells drops below 200 cells/mm3 of blood, given that a normal person with a healthy immune system has CD4 counts ranging from 500 to 1600 cells/mm3.
Symptoms of AIDS
As the infection continues to weaken the immune system, the symptoms of AIDS become increasingly severe. some examples include :
Rapid weight loss
Recurring fever/night sweats
Extreme tiredness
Diarrhoea lasting for more than a week
Sores of mouth or genitals
Memory loss, depression
Red/purplish blotches under skin / inside mouth, nose or eyelids