What is HIV and AIDS?

What is HIV and AIDS?

Medical Definition of HIV : any of several retroviruses and especially HIV-1 that infect and destroy helper T cells of the immune system causing the marked reduction in their numbers that is diagnostic of AIDS. — called also AIDS virus, human immunodeficiency virus.

What are the definitions of AIDS?

A disease of the immune system due to infection with HIV. HIV destroys the CD4 T lymphocytes (CD4 cells) of the immune system, leaving the body vulnerable to life-threatening infections and cancers. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is the most advanced stage of HIV infection.

What is the current WHO definition of AIDS?

If the person’s CD4 cell count falls below 200, their immunity is severely compromised, leaving them susceptible to infections and death. Someone with a CD4 count below 200 is described as having an advanced HIV disease (AHD).

What’s the difference between HIV and AIDS?

The difference between HIV and AIDS is AIDS is a disease called Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, which is caused by the HIV Virus (Human Immunodeficiency Virus ). HIV virus destroys the cells in the human body that combat infections, making it unable to resist infection, this disease is known as AIDS.

What does HIV AIDS stand for?

AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome and is caused by HIV. The names HIV and AIDS can be confusing because both terms describe the same disease. Think of AIDS as advanced HIV disease.

What diseases are caused by HIV?

Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP). This fungal infection can cause severe illness.

  • Candidiasis (thrush). Candidiasis is a common HIV -related infection.
  • Tuberculosis (TB). In resource-limited nations,TB is the most common opportunistic infection associated with HIV.
  • Cytomegalovirus.
  • Cryptococcal meningitis.
  • Toxoplasmosis.
  • How do we know that HIV causes AIDS?

    Signs that HIV is turning into AIDS include: A fever that won’t go away. Sweating while you sleep. Feeling tired all the time, but not from stress or lack of sleep. Feeling sick all the time. Losing weight.

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