What is the difference between HIV and AIDS?
HIV and AIDS are not the same thing. The word "AIDS" stands for "Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome" and is the long-term consequence of an infection with the HI or "Human Immunodeficiency" virus (often referred to - redundantly - as the "HIV virus"). Like any syndrome, AIDS is characterised by the appearance of certain symptoms. AIDS can, but does not necessarily have to, emerge. Thanks to antiretroviral therapy, the reproduction of the HI virus can be impeded and the amount of HI viruses in the blood reduced. The immune system can be boosted and in this way, the probability of a serious illness is reduced.