What is AIDS, what is HIV?
AIDS
AIDS is an abbreviation of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. AIDS corresponds to the most advanced stages of HIV infection and is related to the occurrence of one or more characteristic “opportunistic” infections or HIV-related cancers. An alternative definition is based on the CD4 positive T cell count (> 200.000 cells/ml of blood).
HIV
HIV is an abbreviation of human immunodeficiency virus. HIV is a virus that infects immune system cells and destroys their function. Infection with HIV leads to immune deficiency. HIV virus is found in body fluids (like blood, semen, vaginal fluids and breast milk).
SIDA
A synonym to AIDS in some languages.
VIH
A synonym to HIV in some languages.