The global challenge of HIV/AIDS remains one of the most pressing public health issues today. According to the latest data from UNAIDS, around 38.4 million people worldwide are living with HIV/AIDS, underlining the need for not only medical intervention but also comprehensive awareness, education, and social change. Despite the significant strides made in treatment and prevention, the confusion surrounding the relationship between HIV and AIDS still persists.

Young people have become influential advocates in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Research from UNICEF shows that youth-led initiatives can lower HIV transmission rates by as much as 45% in targeted communities. These young activists utilize digital platforms and peer-to-peer education to dispel myths, promote safe practices, and foster supportive environments for those affected by HIV/AIDS.

Dr Gowri Kulkarni, an expert in Internal Medicine, explains that while the terms HIV and AIDS are often used interchangeably, they are distinctly different. "HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system, whereas AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is a condition that occurs when HIV severely damages the immune system," she clarifies. To understand the implications of these differences, it's important to explore the fundamental distinctions between the two.

1. HIV is a Virus; AIDS is a Syndrome

HIV is the virus responsible for attacking the body’s immune system, specifically targeting CD4 cells, which are crucial for the body’s defense against infections. As HIV progresses, it destroys these cells, weakening the immune system over time. If left untreated, this continuous damage can lead to AIDS.

AIDS, on the other hand, is a syndrome, not a virus. Dr Kulkarni further elaborates that AIDS is a collection of symptoms and illnesses that emerge when the immune system is severely compromised due to prolonged HIV infection. It represents the most advanced stage of HIV, and is characterized by very low CD4 counts or the onset of opportunistic infections like tuberculosis, pneumonia, or certain cancers.

2. Not Everyone with HIV Develops AIDS

A key distinction to remember is that not everyone with HIV will progress to AIDS. Thanks to advancements in medicine, particularly antiretroviral therapy (ART), individuals living with HIV can manage the virus and maintain a healthy immune system for many years, or even decades, without ever developing AIDS. ART works by suppressing the virus to undetectable levels, effectively preventing the damage HIV would otherwise cause to the immune system.

Without treatment, however, HIV progresses through three stages:

- Acute HIV Infection: This stage occurs shortly after transmission and may include symptoms like fever, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes.

- Chronic HIV Infection: Often asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic, the virus continues to damage the immune system but at a slower rate.

- AIDS: This is the final stage, marked by severe immune damage and the presence of infections that take advantage of the compromised immune defenses.

3. HIV is Transmissible; AIDS is Not

Another key distinction between HIV and AIDS is the way in which they are transmitted. HIV is highly contagious and can be transmitted through the exchange of bodily fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. It is primarily spread through unprotected sexual contact, sharing needles, or from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding.

AIDS, however, is not transmissible. It is not a disease that can be passed from one person to another. Rather, AIDS is the result of untreated, advanced HIV infection and is a direct consequence of the virus’s damage to the immune system.

4. Diagnosis Methods Differ

HIV and AIDS are diagnosed through different methods. HIV is diagnosed through blood tests or oral swabs that detect the presence of the virus or antibodies produced by the immune system in response to the virus. Early detection of HIV is crucial, as it allows for timely intervention and treatment, which can prevent the virus from progressing to AIDS.

AIDS, on the other hand, is diagnosed using more specific criteria. Dr Kulkarni notes that the diagnosis of AIDS is made when the individual’s CD4 cell count falls below 200 cells/mm³, or when opportunistic infections or certain cancers (such as Kaposi's sarcoma or lymphoma) are detected. Diagnosing AIDS involves a more thorough assessment of the individual’s immune function and overall health, as opposed to just the detection of HIV.

5. Treatment Goals Are Different

The treatment goals for HIV and AIDS differ significantly, although both involve antiretroviral therapy (ART). For HIV, the primary treatment goal is to suppress the virus to undetectable levels, thus maintaining a strong immune system and preventing further transmission of the virus. People living with HIV can often live long, healthy lives if they adhere to ART.

For individuals diagnosed with AIDS, the treatment plan becomes more complex. While ART remains an essential part of managing the virus, treatment for AIDS also focuses on addressing the opportunistic infections and secondary health complications associated with severe immune suppression. The goal of treatment for AIDS is not only to manage the HIV virus but also to improve the quality of life and extend survival by treating these secondary health issues.

Role of Community Engagement in Combatting HIV/AIDS

While the medical community has made great strides in managing HIV, the battle to curb its transmission is also a social and cultural issue. Dr Daman Ahuja, a public health expert, highlights that HIV/AIDS awareness and education are vital to reducing transmission rates and supporting those affected by the virus. "Young people, especially, have become key advocates in the fight against HIV/AIDS," says Dr Ahuja. "Research from UNICEF shows that youth-led initiatives can lower HIV transmission rates by as much as 45% in targeted communities."

Additionally, grassroots activism plays a significant role in raising awareness and addressing stigma. As the World Health Organization reports, community-based interventions have been proven to increase HIV testing rates and improve treatment adherence, which are crucial in the fight against the pandemic.

The ultimate goal of organizations like UNAIDS is to eliminate the HIV/AIDS pandemic by 2030. Achieving this requires global collaboration, from medical treatment advancements to public health strategies, education, and advocacy. Dr Kulkarni’s insight underscores the importance of early detection, treatment adherence, and community support in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Dr Gowri Kulkarni is Head of Medical Operations at MediBuddy and Dr Daman Ahuja, a public health expert and has been associated with Red Ribbon Express Project of NACO between 2007-12.

Brain disorders are becoming one of India's fastest-growing public health challenges, said health experts ahead of Brain Day on July 22.

The experts highlighted that an ageing population, rising lifestyle diseases and limited access to specialist care are contributing to an increasing burden of conditions such as stroke, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, dementia and multiple sclerosis.

Access Gap Delays Diagnosis, Treatment

Dr. Madhukar Bhardwaj, Director & Head of Department, Neurology, Aakash Healthcare, said neurological disorders have become one of India's most urgent healthcare concerns.

"Neurological disorders are no longer a concern of a small section of the population—they are one of the most pressing emerging healthcare challenges of our time. In a country as vast and diverse as India, with a rapidly ageing population, this is a matter of urgency. What makes the situation even more worrying is the lack of equitable access to care," he said.

According to the World Health Organization's Global Status Report on Neurological Disorders (2025), India faces a severe shortage of neurologists, with the neurologist-to-patient ratio nearly 80 times worse than in high-income countries, leaving specialist care concentrated in major cities.

Stroke Increasingly Affects Younger Adults

Experts also highlighted a worrying shift in disease patterns, with strokes increasingly affecting younger people. Dr. Bhardwaj said strokes, once considered a disease of older adults, are now being seen more frequently among people in their 30s and 40s, underscoring the need for greater awareness and prevention.

Lifestyle Diseases Driving Brain Disorders

Doctors identified uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes, obesity, smoking, chronic stress, physical inactivity and poor sleep as major contributors to the rising burden of neurological diseases.

Dr. Rajas Deshpande, Consultant and Head of Neurology, Jupiter Hospital, Pune, said many neurological conditions share common lifestyle-related risk factors.

"Controlling hypertension, diabetes, obesity, smoking and physical inactivity can significantly reduce the risk of stroke and vascular dementia. Prevention deserves as much attention as treatment because many neurological disorders share common modifiable risk factors," he said.

Early Diagnosis Can Improve Outcomes

Dr. Bhardwaj stressed that many neurological disorders progress silently, making early diagnosis critical.

"Whether it is stroke, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease or memory disorders, early diagnosis can significantly improve outcomes. Unfortunately, many patients seek specialist care only after the disease has advanced, either because symptoms are ignored or because neurological services are not easily accessible. Greater public awareness and timely referrals are essential," he said.

Brain Health Linked to Women's Reproductive Health

Experts also emphasized that brain health extends beyond cognition. Dr. Hrishikesh Pai, Consultant Gynecologist & IVF Specialist, Lilavati Hospital Mumbai and Fortis Hospitals Delhi & Chandigarh, said the brain plays a central role in regulating women's reproductive health.

"Brain health plays a critical role in women's reproductive health. The hypothalamus and pituitary gland in the brain regulate the hormonal signals that control menstruation, ovulation, and pregnancy," he said.

He added that chronic stress, neurological disorders, pituitary diseases and certain medications can disrupt hormonal balance, leading to irregular menstrual cycles, infertility and pregnancy-related complications.

As wildfire smoke continues to affect communities across North America and Europe, fertility experts are recommending people undergoing vitro fertilization (IVF) to pay attention to an overlooked factor before embryo implant: air quality.

A new study suggests that exposure to unhealthy levels of air pollution, particularly from wildfire smoke, could significantly reduce the chances of a successful pregnancy after IVF.

Researchers, therefore, recommend discussing the timing of embryo transfer with a fertility specialist when air quality deteriorates.

Wildfire Smoke May Interfere With Embryo Implantation

The study, published in the journal Human Fertility, indicates that air pollution may affect reproductive health.

Between June and July 2023, researchers from Northwell Fertility in New York examined 190 fresh and frozen embryo transfers, when smoke from massive Canadian wildfires caused hazardous air quality across the northeastern United States.

They then compared the rate of successful pregnancies based on the Air Quality Index (AQI) on the day of embryo transfer.

Clinical pregnancy rates were approximately 62% on days with good air quality and 65% on days with moderate air quality.

But when the AQI rose above 100, a level considered unhealthy for sensitive groups; the pregnancy rate dropped to just 27%.

Although only 11 embryo transfers took place on days with unhealthy air quality, the researchers say the findings raise concerns about whether temporary exposure to wildfire smoke could affect one of the most critical stages of IVF.

Also read: Miles Apart, But Planning A Family Together: The Fertility Reality Of Long-Distance Marriages In India

How Can Air Pollution Affect Fertility And IVF Success Chances?

IVF embryos are created and stored in strictly controlled laboratories, meaning they are protected from polluted air and other contaminants in the environment.

Instead of damaging the embryo, researchers believe that wildfire smoke can affect the woman's body by increasing inflammation and oxidative stress. This could create a less favourable environment for the embryo to implant in the uterus.

Air pollution contaminant, PM2.5, a fine particulate matter, is one of the main pollutants in wildfire smoke. It is minute enough to enter the lungs, bloodstream, and trigger inflammatory responses throughout the body.

Previous studies have already indicated that PM2.5 exposure could cause pregnancy complications and harm fertility.

Dr. Randi Goldman, Program Director at Northwell Fertility and co-author of the study, said the research suggests patients and physicians should consider environmental conditions when planning embryo transfer.

Also read: Global Female Infertility Could Affect 80 Million Women Aged 35+ by 2036: Lancet Study

"The embryo is safely protected inside the laboratory. The effect we're seeing is more likely related to how air pollution influences the body before and after embryo transfer rather than the embryo itself," Goldman said.

She opines that patients experiencing severe wildfire smoke or hazardous air quality should discuss whether delaying embryo transfer by a few days could improve the chances of success.

"Patients invest enormous emotional, physical and financial resources into IVF. Delaying treatment is difficult, but when air quality reaches unhealthy levels, it may be worth discussing timing with your fertility specialist," Goldman said.

Expert-Recommended Tips To Improve IVF Success

Adopt a Fertility-Boosting Lifestyle: Eat a balanced diet, exercise daily, and enjoy a healthy BMI. Reduce alcohol intake, do not smoke, and avoid recreational drugs.

Take Key Supplements: Folic acid, CoQ10, and vitamin D can improve egg quality and overall fertility.

Stress Management Is Key: Elevated cortisol levels can affect reproductive hormones. Practice mindfulness, yoga, or acupuncture.

Sleep Well: Aim for at least 7–8 hours of restful sleep to support hormonal balance.

Address Underlying Health Conditions: Conditions such as PCOS, thyroid issues, and endometriosis can interfere with fertility outcomes if left unmanaged.

Start Early, If Possible: The earlier IVF is initiated—especially for women over 35—the better the chances.

The detection of the Omicron RF.5 subvariant in Andhra Pradesh has raised concerns about a possible resurgence of COVID-19 in India. However, health experts say there is no evidence so far that the new sub-lineage causes more severe illness than other recently circulating Omicron variants.

While RF.5 may spread more efficiently, experts stress that the focus should remain on protecting vulnerable groups rather than panicking.

RF.5 Transmissible, Not More Deadly

Speaking to HealthandMe, Dr. Aijaz Ilmi, Senior Consultant – Preventive Wellness & Metabolic Diseases, Pacific OneHealth Hospital, said the detection of RF.5 should prompt vigilance, not fear.

"At present, there is no convincing evidence that RF.5 causes more severe disease than other recently circulating Omicron variants, although it may spread efficiently. Ongoing surveillance remains essential, as seen in Telangana."

Dr. Tushar Tayal, Associate Director, Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, added that countries including Singapore have already detected RF.5 without reporting a corresponding rise in hospitalizations, suggesting the variant may be more transmissible but not more severe.

Also read: India Logs 339 COVID-19 Cases In First Half Of July: What To Know About The RF.5 Omicron Subvariant

Mild Illness For Most Healthy People

Dr. G.C. Khilnani, Chairman, PSRI Institute of Pulmonary, Critical Care, told HealthandMe that the current outbreak is being driven by the Omicron variant, which generally causes a milder upper respiratory illness than earlier COVID-19 strains.

He said healthy individuals typically experience fever, cough, runny nose and body aches, while the risk of severe disease remains much lower than during previous waves.

"This virus remains confined to the throat, or what we call the oral cavity, and does not traverse to the lungs. Therefore, in a normal healthy individual, it does not cause pneumonia. So, it is not life-threatening in immunocompetent or healthy individuals."

Who Is at Risk?

Following four COVID-19-related deaths reported in Andhra Pradesh over the past two weeks, experts said people with weakened immunity continue to face the highest risk of severe illness. This includes cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, people with uncontrolled diabetes, older adults, those on long-term steroid therapy and people living with HIV/AIDS.

"Most infections are expected to present with mild upper respiratory symptoms such as sore throat, fever, cough, runny or blocked nose, fatigue, headache and body aches," Dr. Ilmi said.

He added that older adults, pregnant women, people with heart, lung or kidney disease, obesity, cancer, diabetes, weakened immunity and those who are inadequately vaccinated remain the most vulnerable to severe COVID-19.

Symptoms Remain Similar

Read More: India’s First Approved Dengue Vaccine: Takeda’s QDENGA Protects Against All Four Virus Serotypes

Experts said RF.5 does not appear to cause unusual symptoms. Common signs include:

• Sore throat
• Fever
• Cough
• Runny or blocked nose
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Body aches

They advised seeking immediate medical attention if symptoms such as breathlessness, persistent chest pain, confusion or low oxygen levels develop.

COVID-19 in India: Vigilance, Not Panic

India has reported a renewed uptick in COVID-19 cases, with 339 infections recorded between July 1 and July 16, according to the Andhra Pradesh Health Department.

Reported cases during this period include:

• Kerala: 115
• Karnataka: 64
• Maharashtra: 43
• Tamil Nadu: 39
• Andaman and Nicobar Islands: 18
• Delhi: 18
• Rajasthan: 12
• Other states: Remaining cases

How To Prevent

Experts said public health guidance has not changed despite the emergence of RF.5. They recommend wearing masks in crowded places, getting tested if symptoms develop, and isolating after a positive test to reduce transmission.

Dr. Khilnani also stressed the importance of early diagnosis, avoiding crowded places while infected, wearing a mask and following proper cough etiquette. He added that people with weakened immunity should be especially cautious, avoid crowded settings and maintain good hand hygiene.

Early testing, adequate hydration, rest and symptomatic treatment remain the cornerstone of management, particularly for high-risk individuals.