Sun Nov 30 18:30:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the provided text:
World AIDS Day 2025: Doctors Clarify Key Differences Between HIV and AIDS
New Delhi, India – As the world observes World AIDS Day on December 1st, 2025, medical professionals are emphasizing the crucial distinctions between HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) to dispel common misconceptions. While often used interchangeably, HIV and AIDS represent different stages of the same underlying health issue, as clarified by Dr. Prabhat Ranjan Sinha, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine at Aakash Healthcare.
HIV is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system, specifically targeting CD4 cells vital for fighting infection. Importantly, individuals infected with HIV may not experience symptoms for years, during which time the virus silently weakens their immune defenses. If left untreated, HIV can progress to AIDS.
AIDS is the most severe and final stage of HIV infection. It is diagnosed when an HIV-positive individual’s CD4 count drops below 200 or when they develop specific opportunistic infections or cancers. At this stage, the body becomes highly vulnerable, even to common illnesses.
“The misconception that HIV and AIDS are the same thing is prevalent, but understanding the difference is critical,” explains Dr. Sinha.
While there is currently no cure for HIV, Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) has revolutionized treatment. ART drugs effectively suppress the virus, preventing it from advancing to AIDS and allowing individuals with HIV to live long and healthy lives. Early detection through regular HIV testing, safe practices, and consistent adherence to ART are key to managing HIV and preventing the development of AIDS.
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