Jan 13, 2014 · HIV vs. AIDS: What’s the Difference? HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system, while AIDS, or stage 3 HIV, is a condition that results from the severe damage caused …

Jan 6, 2026 · HIV is a virus that weakens the immune system over time. AIDS is the most severe phase of HIV when the immune system is badly damaged. Early treatment can stop HIV from …

Sep 3, 2024 · Learn more about the differences in symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment for HIV and AIDS.

Nov 12, 2025 · AIDS is the late stage of HIV infection that occurs when the body’s immune system is badly damaged because of the virus. In the U.S., most people with HIV do not …

May 28, 2025 · HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus, which is the virus that causes HIV infection. The acronym “HIV” can refer to the virus or to HIV infection. AIDS stands for …

Jul 30, 2024 · Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a term that applies to the most advanced stages of HIV infection. It is defined by the occurrence of any of the more than 20 …

Aug 5, 2025 · HIV is a virus that damages the immune system and can be transmitted through sexual contact or the shared use of medical equipment such as needles and syringes. HIV …

Apr 23, 2025 · A person can have AIDS caused by the human immunodeficiency virus, but AIDS is a syndrome (that is, a set of signs and symptoms that appear together and characterize a …

So what is the difference between HIV and AIDS? HIV, for one, is a virus, a small infectious agent that multiplies itself by taking control of cells inside a host. AIDS, on the other hand, is a …

While the two terms are closely linked, the HIV and AIDS difference lies primarily in disease progression and immune system damage. HIV is the actual virus that enters and affects the …