AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is the most advanced stage of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection. HIV is a virus that attacks and weakens the body's immune system by targeting important cells called CD4 cells or T-cells, which help fight infections. When HIV is untreated, it progressively damages the immune system, making the body vulnerable to opportunistic infections and certain cancers, which define the onset of AIDS
. HIV is transmitted through contact with certain bodily fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, and breast milk. Common transmission routes include unprotected sexual contact, sharing needles, and from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. HIV is not spread through casual contact like hugging, shaking hands, or sharing food
. A person is diagnosed with AIDS when their CD4 cell count falls below 200 cells per cubic millimeter of blood (normal counts are between 500 and 1,600) or when they develop one or more opportunistic infections regardless of CD4 count
. There is no cure for HIV/AIDS, but effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) can control the virus, reduce viral load to undetectable levels, and prevent progression to AIDS. People on ART can live long, healthy lives and do not transmit HIV sexually when their viral load is undetectable
. In summary:
- HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system.
- AIDS is the late stage of HIV infection characterized by severe immune system damage.
- HIV spreads through specific bodily fluids, not casual contact.
- ART can manage HIV, prevent AIDS, and reduce transmission risk.
This understanding is based on authoritative health sources including HIV.gov, Mayo Clinic, NIH, WHO, and NHS
