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HIV Versus AIDS: A Brief Comparison


HIV and AIDS are two most dreadful acronyms in the world of medicine since the last 3 decades. Both of them are very closely related and thus, many think they are the same. But they are not, says a doctor in London associated with a renowned sexual health clinic, even though both are mostly mentioned in the same breath. 

It’s about time to know their differences.

HIV versus AIDS

HIV is the shortened form of “human immunodeficiency virus”. The doctor at the sexual health clinic in London explains the virus attacks and destroys one’s natural immune system. As a result, the individual loses the power to combat diseases. HIV virus can be contracted in various ways, including the following:
  • Unprotected sex
  • Coming in direct contact to an affected person’s blood or body fluid
A pregnant woman affected with HIV passes on the virus to her child in the womb. Babies are also known to contract the virus through breast-feeding from an affected mother.

Once the virus gets inside your body, they attack the T cells. T cells are a type of white blood cell (WBC) present in the body and they protect you from diseases and infections.

AIDS – on the other hand – is the shortened form of acquired immune deficiency syndrome. Unlike HIV, it is a condition which denotes an individual’s health is very badly compromised and helplessly vulnerable to a range of severe diseases including certain types of cancer, pneumonia and hepatitis.

It’s very common for cancer patients to suffer from severe weight loss, dementia or loss of memory, tuberculosis and a number of other medical conditions. 

When the T cells in your body are exhausted while defending against the HIV, your immune system loses the power to withhold the attacks of even common germs and illnesses. At this stage AIDS is said to have developed.

HIV may lead to AIDS and AIDS is the last stage of progression of HIV. But there’s no certainty that an HIV infection will always lead to AIDS.

Positive takeaway

Effective treatment methodologies have been invented in the recent times to prevent HIV infection progressing into AIDS. Unlike that in the past, HIV is no more a death sentence. Even people suffering from AIDS can have better health with help of the right treatment and care.

Early detection and treatment are both crucial to fight HIV and/or AIDS. Religiously maintaining a healthy lifestyle – through physical exercise, balanced diet and avoiding tobacco and alcohol – proves more helpful for any HIV-infected person in living longer, healthier and stronger than one can imagine.  

Doctors associated with a renowned STD check clinic in London suggest the following to check HIV from progressing to AIDS:
  • Educate yourself on how to stay fit and healthy. There are many websites as well as printed books and brochures to guide you on this aspect.
  • Practice safe sex, use condoms.
  • Get yourself tested for HIV.
Preventing HIV infection from progressing to AIDS is not difficult, provided you’re committed.
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Location: London, UK

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