HIV and AIDS: what's the difference?
Can you live a long, full life with HIV-positive status? Spoiler: yes.
HIV and AIDS: what's the difference?
I think I understand the difference, but I'm not sure. Purpur asked its friends from a foundation that helps people with HIV to explain the difference between HIV and AIDS.
Can you live a long, full life with HIV-positive status? Spoiler: yes.
The next post will be about viral load, and whether it's true that with a zero viral load you don't have to disclose your status.
What is HIV?
HIV is the human immunodeficiency virus, which attacks white blood cells (lymphocytes). This leads to a weakened immune system.
With the right treatment, an HIV-positive person lives just as long and as fully as a person without HIV. But if the virus goes untreated, the person becomes vulnerable to various diseases that are hard to treat in a weakened body.
What is AIDS?
In short: it's the late stage of HIV infection.
AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is a condition caused by a long course of HIV infection. It is not a disease but the body's reaction to an advancing infection.
At this stage the immune system is so depleted that the body becomes susceptible to tumours and accompanying infections that are rare in people without HIV.
But the virus can be stopped from multiplying even at a late stage, if you see a doctor right away.
Can HIV be treated?
There is not yet a drug that can completely remove the immunodeficiency virus from the body. But there is therapy that allows an HIV-positive person to stay healthy, live a full life and, if they wish, have healthy children.
The right antiretroviral (ARV) therapy stops HIV from multiplying. When the medication is taken regularly, cells infected with HIV can restore their function.
But if a person doesn't know their HIV status or refuses therapy for some reason, this can lead to AIDS.
How can I protect myself?
Condoms. Male, female, any kind. Unprotected sex is the most common route of HIV transmission worldwide.
Also get tested for HIV regularly, at least once a year.
You can take an anonymous, free HIV test at the medical centre and special buses of a partner foundation. They travel around the city and region every weekday. You don't need to book in advance or bring any documents. You'll get your result within 10 minutes. Choose a location and time on the foundation's website.
The foundation's team will answer any question you have. Purpur and the foundation believe there are no stupid questions about your health.
