HIV vs AIDS refers to the difference between the virus that causes the infection and the most advanced stage of that infection. HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is the virus itself, while AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) develops when HIV severely damages the immune system.
At the AIDS stage, the immune system becomes much less able to fight infections and certain cancers. This can lead to opportunistic illnesses such as esophageal candidiasis, Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia, or Kaposi sarcoma.
However, with proper HIV treatment and regular medical follow-up, most people with HIV can prevent the infection from progressing to AIDS. If you have questions about HIV or AIDS, talk to your primary care provider (PCP) or an infectious disease specialist for evaluation, testing, and personalized guidance.