Many times people think HIV and AIDS are one and the same; however, there is a difference.  HIV stands for Human Immuno-deficiency Virus. “Human” because this virus can only infect human beings. “Immuno-deficiency” because the effect of the virus is to create a deficiency, a failure to work properly, within the body’s immune system. “Virus” because this organism is a virus, which means one of its characteristics is that it is incapable of reproducing by itself. It reproduces by taking over the machinery of the human cell. 

AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. “Acquired” because it’s a condition one must acquire or get infected with; not something transmitted through the genes. “Immune” because it affects the body’s immune system, the part of the body which usually works to fight off germs such as bacteria and viruses. “Deficiency” because it makes the immune system deficient (makes it not work properly). “Syndrome” because someone with AIDS may experience a wide range of different diseases and opportunistic infections. 

An HIV-positive person receives an AIDS diagnosis after developing one of the CDC-defined AIDS indicator illnesses. An HIV-positive person can also receive an AIDS diagnosis on the basis of certain blood tests (CD4 counts) and may not have experienced any serious illnesses. A positive HIV test does not mean that a person has AIDS. A diagnosis of AIDS is made by a physician according to the CDC AIDS Case Definition. 

Over time, infection with HIV can weaken the immune system to the point that the system has difficulty fighting off certain infections. These types of infections are known as opportunistic infections. Many of the infections that cause problems or that can be life-threatening for people with AIDS are usually controlled by a healthy immune system. The immune system of a person with AIDS has weakened to the point that medical intervention may be necessary to prevent or treat serious illness. 

HIV can be transmitted from an infected person to another through: Blood, Semen, Vaginal secretions and Breast milk. The highest to lowest concentration of the virus is in this same order. 

Activities that allow HIV transmission include: Unprotected sexual contact; Direct blood contact, including injection drug needles, blood transfusions, accidents in health care settings or certain blood products; and, Mother to baby (before or during birth, or through breast milk) 

Here in Central Ohio we are fortunate to have the Columbus AIDS Tasks Force which provides comprehensive care services, educational programs and an HIV testing program. CATF’s mission is to fight the spread of HIV; reduce its transmission, stigma and the resulting discrimination through education and awareness; and provide quality services to individuals and families affected by HIV/AIDS. 

For more information on HIV and AIDS please check these websites out: www.aids.org and www.catf.net 

Information in this article was reproduced from both websites mentioned above.