HIV and AIDS are two different conditions which are often confused for one another, but there are some key differences which many may not be aware of.
According the NHS, signs of AIDS can be very different to HIV, though many are unaware of any signs of these conditions altogether, or worse, they can be asymptomatic.
A 21-year-old woman recently opened up on her own experience with being diagnosed with HIV while in a long-term relationship, going into her final year of uni. While Ellie Harrison found out she was HIV positive through a home STI testing kit, she has since become an activist, raising awareness for the condition and spreading the message that anyone can get it.
The health world may be more clued up on the condition, but Ellie claims that overall, 'education that hasn't passed really that far along since the 80s'.
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So, here's the difference between the two conditions and how you can spot them, as UNAids has predicted there will be 3.3 million more new HIV infections by 2030 than expected.
What is HIV?
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that weakens your immune system and increases the risk of serious illness.
While people will experience different symptoms, it is said that some people get a 'short flu-like' sickness' for weeks after being infected, which can easily be confused with other illnesses.
It is a lifelong condition which can be treated with medicines called antiretrovirals, tablets which you'll need to take every day, aiming to bring down the amount of HIV in your blood to a level where it can no longer be measured, making it an undetectable viral load (an extremely low level of the HIV virus in your blood).
What is AIDS?
The NHS explains that acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is the name of a collection of serious illnesses caused by HIV, with the condition often identified as late-stage or advanced HIV.
According to the health body, most people in the UK being treated for HIV do not develop AIDS.
AIDS can occur as a result of an HIV infection when your immune system has already been weakened by HIV in the first place.
Symptoms of HIV and AIDS
According to medical experts, symptoms of HIV can develop and become AIDS over time, so here are some of the main symptoms which often show in patients with HIV.
While each individual experiences different symptoms, an illness comparable to the flu can last about two to six weeks, which can include any of the following:
- High temperature
- Sore throat
- Swollen glands
- Skin rash
- Muscle aches
- Tiredness
But some don't have any other symptoms of HIV for years, with many having the STI without knowing they have it, which can be extremely dangerous as it damages your immune system and can cause more serious illnesses, such as pneumonia, cancer, or even tuberculosis.
This stage is also known as AIDS.
Causes of HIV
The primary cause of HIV is through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has HIV. Using a condom is the primary method of protection against HIV or any STIs.
It is because the condition is spread by infected body fluids going into your bloodstream, though it can also be spread through sharing needles with someone who has the condition, sharing sex toys, or even to your baby during pregnancy or birth if you have a detectable viral load.
Joshua Nair