HIV and AIDS are not the same. HIV damages the immune system, which can leave the body at risk for acquiring infections. Some of these infections are classified as AIDS defining illnesses. Only after you have had one of these infections, or your immune system as been damaged to the point that you have fewer than 200 CD4 cells, do you have AIDS.
But having an AIDS diagnosis doesn't mean your life is over. Treatments are available to help you stay healthy even if you have AIDS.
