Hiv is a virus. You can t have aids without contracting hiv. Pin On Women Infographics Not everyone who has hiv will get aids. Hiv vs aids . While hiv is a virus that may cause an infection aids which is short for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is a condition. The difference between hiv and aids is in the strict definition of both words. The difference between hiv and aids is straightforward. However people can live long healthy lives with hiv without ever developing aids. There s no chicken or egging here. You cannot have aids without being infected with hiv. In the u s most people with hiv do not develop aids because taking hiv medicine every day as prescribed stops the progression of the disease. Hiv or human immunodeficiency virus affects a person s immune system. What is the difference between hiv vs. Aids also termed acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is defined as a syndrome or condition that results when hiv. Aids is the final stage stage 3 of...