The Difference Between HIV and AIDS

HIV stands for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. Let's take a closer look at these words and what they mean:

"H" is for Human, meaning that only humans get this virus. That's another way of saying that the virus is "species specific." So you don't have to worry about ever getting infected from a pet or a mosquito.

"I" is for Immunodeficiency, meaning that this virus causes your immune system to have some serious problems. The immune system is what fights off diseases and infections. When your immune system starts to have problems, it makes it easier for you to get sick and harder for you to get well.

"V" is for Virus, which refers to the specific type of germ or antigen. Other types of germs are bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Fortunately, all of those types of germs can be killed with specific medications. Unfortunately, viruses can't be killed. You can't take a medicine like an antibiotic and get rid of HIV. Viruses stay with us forever. Sometimes we are able to create conditions where they don't cause us any problems, and that is where a strong and healthy immune system comes in handy.

HIV-1 is the type of HIV that is most commonly found in the United States and Canada. Several subtypes (sometimes referred to as strains) or variants of HIV-1 have been identified, and again, only one, HIV-1 subtype B is common in the United States and Canada.

HIV-2 is another type of HIV. HIV-2 is an uncommon virus in the United States and Canada.

It is widely accepted in the medical and scientific research community that HIV infection is linked to immune system malfunction and ultimately results in the condition known as AIDS.

The only way a person can know if he or she has been infected with HIV is to have a specific test. In addition to standard blood tests, there are approved HIV tests which use cells from the mouth and tests which use cells in urine. There are also test kits which can be used at home to collect blood samples. Check with your state's HIV hotline to get more information about the tests available in your area.

AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. It is the result of a weakened immune system caused by HIV infection. AIDS is diagnosed when a person tests positive for HIV and also has one or more of the "opportunistic infections" of AIDS (there are 27) and/or has a laboratory marker test of 200 or fewer T-cells. AIDS should be diagnosed by a physician. The opportunistic infections associated with AIDS are called "AIDS-defining illnesses" and should also be diagnosed by a physician.

Both HIV infection and AIDS are considered to be chronic illnesses managed with both pharmaceutical (pharmacy drugs) therapies and complementary (alternative) therapies. In most cases, people can live for many years with HIV infection and with AIDS. It is usually impossible to know just how long a person will live with AIDS. Today's HIV therapies are extending the lives of Persons Living With AIDS as well as helping to improve their quality of life.

If you live in Florida and you have further questions or concerns about HIV-related issues, please call the Florida HIV/AIDS Hotline or send us a message.

If you live outside of Florida, visit The Body to find an AIDS hotline near you.