Q and A

Question

What is the difference between HIV and AIDS?

26 April 2007. Related: All topics, HIV testing.

Answer

Answer: Simon Collins

Thanks for your question.

HIV is a virus that causes damage to the immune system. This usually occurs slowly and over many years. HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

AIDS is the medical condition caused by HIV. AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. This cover a range of illness that your body becomes vulnerable to after HIV has damaged your immune system.

Without treatment, 95% of people who are infected with HIV will progress to AIDS. This can take from 1 to 15 years, and on average takes 5-10 years.