Understand the difference between HIV and AIDS

Many people still use the terms HIV and AIDS as if they were the same thing, but there is an important difference.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus that attacks the immune system, mainly defence cells called CD4. AIDS, also called AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is the most advanced phase of infection, when the body becomes weakened and more vulnerable to infections and certain types of cancer.

In other words:

  • A person can have HIV and not have AIDS.

  • With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, many people live for decades without developing AIDS.

Nowadays, thanks to medical advances, HIV is no longer considered a death sentence and has become a manageable chronic condition when properly monitored.

How does HIV work in the body?

HIV invades cells responsible for the body's defence and gradually weakens the immune system over time.

Without treatment, the body gradually loses the ability to fight viruses, bacteria, fungi and other diseases. This facilitates the appearance of so-called opportunistic infections, which are diseases that take advantage of the drop in immunity to develop.

As the disease progresses, simple infections can become serious.

This is why identifying HIV early makes all the difference.

How is HIV transmitted?

HIV can be transmitted mainly through:

  • Unprotected sexual intercourse;

  • Contact with contaminated blood;

  • Sharing syringes and needles;

  • From mother to baby during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding (when there is no treatment);

  • Contaminated blood transfusions (nowadays extremely rare due to strict screening).

The virus is NOT transmitted through:

  • Hugging;

  • Social kissing;

  • Handshake;

  • Sweat;

  • Saliva;

  • Sharing cutlery;

  • Swimming pools;

  • Toilets;

  • Mosquito bites.

This point is important because there is still a lot of prejudice and misinformation on the subject.

What are the first symptoms of HIV?

In the first days or weeks after infection, some people may feel nothing. Others may experience symptoms similar to severe flu or a viral infection.

Initial signs may include:

  • Fever;

  • Sore throat;

  • Swollen glands;

  • Skin rashes;

  • Intense fatigue;

  • Muscle pain;

  • Headache;

  • Night sweats;

  • Diarrhoea;

  • Unexplained weight loss.

After this phase, the virus can remain dormant for years.

It is precisely this that makes diagnosis so important: many people discover HIV only when immunity is already quite compromised.

When should I see a doctor to investigate HIV?

Some signs deserve attention, especially when they persist or appear without clear explanation:

  • Significant weight loss;

  • Frequent fever;

  • Recurrent infections;

  • Recurrent thrush;

  • Strange skin patches;

  • Intense night sweats;

  • Persistent fatigue;

  • Prolonged diarrhoea;

  • Persistent swollen glands.

Additionally, anyone who has had unprotected sexual intercourse should consider getting tested, even without symptoms.

Early diagnosis protects not only your own health, but also helps reduce transmission.

How is HIV diagnosed?

Tests have evolved greatly in recent years and nowadays diagnosis can be made quickly and safely.

The main tests include:

Rapid test

  • Results in a few minutes;

  • Available at health units;

  • Performed with a blood drop or oral fluid.

Laboratory tests

The most currently used ones detect:

  • Antibodies against HIV;

  • Viral antigens;

  • Or the viral genetic material itself.

Among the most well-known tests are:

  • HIV serology;

  • 4th generation test;

  • Viral load;

  • CD4 count.

After a positive result, additional tests help assess the stage of infection and define the most appropriate treatment.

What is AIDS?

AIDS is the phase in which HIV has already caused a significant drop in immunity.

At this stage, the body becomes vulnerable to serious diseases, such as:

  • Tuberculosis;

  • Pneumonia;

  • Meningitis;

  • Toxoplasmosis;

  • Some types of cancer;

  • Serious fungal infections.

But it is important to emphasise:
with appropriate treatment, many people never develop AIDS.

How does HIV treatment work nowadays?

Treatment is carried out with antiretroviral medications, known as ART.

These medications:

  • Reduce the amount of virus in the body;

  • Strengthen the immune system;

  • Reduce the risk of transmission;

  • Increase life expectancy and quality of life.

Today there are treatments that are much more modern, safe and effective than decades ago.

In many cases:

  • The person takes only one tablet a day;

  • Long-acting injectable therapies exist in some countries and specific contexts;

  • People can achieve undetectable viral load.

A very important concept nowadays is:

"Undetectable = Untransmittable" (U = U)

When a person maintains appropriate treatment and undetectable viral load on a sustained basis, they do not transmit HIV through sexual contact.

This was one of the greatest revolutions in fighting HIV in recent decades.

Is there prevention for HIV and other STIs?

Yes, and prevention remains fundamental.

The main forms of prevention include:

  • Condom use;

  • Regular testing;

  • Not sharing syringes;

  • Appropriate treatment during pregnancy;

  • Use of PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis);

  • Use of PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis).

What is PrEP?

It is a preventive medication for people at higher risk of HIV exposure.

What is PEP?

It is an emergency medication used after possible exposure to the virus, ideally started in the first few hours and within 72 hours.

In addition to HIV, these measures help prevent other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), such as:

  • Syphilis;

  • Gonorrhoea;

  • Chlamydia;

  • Viral hepatitis.

Prejudice is still one of the biggest challenges

Despite all the medical advances, many people still fail to seek help due to fear, shame or misinformation.

Speaking about HIV and AIDS responsibly saves lives.

Early diagnosis reduces complications, improves quality of life and interrupts transmission chains.

Correct information also combats prejudices.

Taking care of sexual health is part of taking care of health as a whole. Getting tested, using protection and seeking medical guidance about any doubts are important and responsible attitudes.

This content is exclusively informative in nature and does not replace medical consultation, professional diagnosis or specialist care. In case of symptoms, risk exposure or doubts about HIV, AIDS or other STIs, seek a healthcare professional or a care unit.

Dr Rebeca Soares Andrade CRM- GO 39335