Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is the most advanced stage of HIV infection, characterized by severe immune system damage and/or certain opportunistic infections or cancers.
HIV progressively damages immune function when it is untreated or inadequately controlled. When immune suppression becomes severe enough, a person may develop infections or cancers that are uncommon or particularly serious in people with healthy immune systems.
A diagnosis of AIDS can be based on a severely reduced CD4 T-cell count or the occurrence of certain AIDS-defining illnesses. With effective antiretroviral therapy, many people with HIV never develop AIDS, and people diagnosed with AIDS can often experience substantial immune recovery with treatment.
QUICK FACT
A person living with HIV does not necessarily have AIDS. Effective treatment can prevent HIV from progressing to AIDS and can substantially reduce the risk of HIV-related complications.
COMMONLY CONFUSED WITH
HIV: HIV is the virus; AIDS is the advanced disease stage or syndrome that can result from uncontrolled HIV infection.
SEE ALSO
