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.

For most people, the arrival of monsoon brings welcome relief from the scorching summer heat. For physicians, however, it also signals the beginning of a season when managing chronic lifestyle diseases becomes significantly more challenging.

High humidity, fluctuating temperatures and a sharp rise in seasonal infections create conditions that can quietly destabilise diabetes, hypertension and heart disease, even in people whose conditions are otherwise well controlled.

Lifestyle diseases are often thought of as long-term conditions that progress gradually. Yet they are also highly sensitive to environmental changes. During the monsoon, the body works harder to regulate temperature and maintain normal circulation. High humidity reduces the body'sability to cool itself efficiently, increasing the workload on the heart. At the same time, sudden shifts between hot outdoor conditions and cold indoor environments can influence blood vessel function, leading to fluctuations in blood pressure. These physiological changes may seem subtle, but for individuals living with chronic illnesses, they can increase the likelihood of complications.

The season also brings a surge in viral, bacterial and mosquito-borne illnesses. Infections such as influenza, gastroenteritis, dengue, and fungal diseases are becoming more common, placing additional stress on the body. For people living with diabetes, even a relatively minor infection can upset blood sugar control. The body's response to illness triggers the release of stress hormones that increase blood glucose levels. In contrast, changes in appetite and food intake during illness may increase the risk of both hyperglycaemia and hypoglycaemia if medications or insulin are not adjusted appropriately under medical supervision.

Beyond infections, the monsoon often disrupts everyday routines that are essential for effective diabetes management. Reduced physical activity due to persistent rainfall, missed walks, and a greater tendency to indulge in fried, calorie-dense comfort foods can contribute to poor glycaemic control. Prolonged exposure to damp conditions, particularly from wearing wet or closed footwear for extended periods, also increases the risk of fungal infections and delayed wound healing—complications that people with diabetes are already more susceptible to. While these changes may appear routine, together they can make diabetes significantly more difficult to manage during the rainy season.

Seasonal changes equally influence hypertension, although the effects are often less obvious. Variations in temperature and atmospheric pressure can cause blood vessels to constrict or relax, leading to fluctuations in blood pressure. Dietary habits also tend to shift during the rainy season, with increased consumption of salty snacks, pickles, and processed foods, which contribute to sodium overload and fluid retention. Because hypertension frequently remains symptomless, many people assume they are doing well despite missing medicines or delaying routine blood pressure checks. Unfortunately, uncontrolled blood pressure often comes to light only after a serious complication such as a stroke, heart attack, or acute cardiac event.

By Dr. Manjeeta Nath Das, Associate Director – Internal Medicine, PB Health

A cough that lingers for weeks is often dismissed as a stubborn cold, allergy, or lung infection. However, ENT specialists warned that in some cases, the real cause may be acid reflux, a condition that can affect the throat even without the typical symptom of heartburn.

Doctors told HealthandMe that recognizing the signs early can help patients receive the right treatment and prevent long-term complications.

When Does Acid Reflux Trigger a Chronic Cough?

According to Dr. Nishit Shah, ENT/Otorhinolaryngologist at Bombay Hospital, acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), does not always present with chest burning.

"Sometimes people with reflux do not feel the usual symptom of heartburn in their chest. Instead, the acid from their stomach goes up into their throat, irritates it, which can cause a dry cough that will not go away, a hoarse voice, or a feeling that something is stuck in their throat," Dr. Shah told HealthandMe.

He advised that if a cough lasts for more than eight weeks and does not improve with usual medicines, acid reflux should be considered as a possible cause.

"It is very important to know what is causing your cough because if you just treat the cough, the acid reflux can still be hurting your throat," Dr. Shah said.

Not Every Throat Symptom Is Acidity

Also read: 'Let's Fix Our Food': India Launches New Policy To Fight Childhood Obesity, Boost Nutrition

However, not every throat symptom should be dismissed as acidity.

Dr. Alok Aggarwal, Chairperson, ENT, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, said silent reflux often presents as intermittent throat irritation, a sensation of something stuck in the throat, or occasional voice changes.

"These symptoms are often judged as acidity by the common man, and people start self-medicating with antacids and even ayurvedic medicines. Less do they know that this can be a symptom of some underlying ENT disease," he said.

He explained that laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) occurs when food or semi-digested food enters the pharynx, irritating its lining.

"It causes symptoms such as throat irritation, burning sensation, pain in throat, nasal irritation, globus sensation and change in voice," Dr. Aggarwal told HealthandMe.

ENT Evaluation Is Essential

Read More: Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi Sleeps 3 Hours A Night: How Much Sleep Do You Really Need?

While LPRD is commonly diagnosed, Dr. Aggarwal cautioned that similar symptoms may also be caused by allergic rhino-pharyngitis, chronic rhino-sinusitis, vocal nodules or polyps, laryngeal leukoplakia, and candida infection.

"Though this comes as the most common diagnosis in clinical practice, it often overshadows some very serious conditions which mimic the symptoms, and only after a thorough ENT examination can the exact diagnosis be made," he said.

He added that these conditions can be effectively diagnosed through thorough history-taking, clinical examination, and endoscopic examination.

"As doctors, we need to educate our patients regarding the disease physiology and the differentials it carries before establishing any diagnosis. A timely and adequate intervention with planned treatment can effectively cure the patient in most cases," Dr. Aggarwal said.

Lifestyle Changes May Help Control Symptoms

Dr. Shah recommended avoiding heavy meals, especially at night, limiting fatty foods, maintaining a healthy weight, and sleeping with the head elevated to help manage acid reflux.

"If people know that acid reflux can cause a cough, they can get a diagnosis sooner, get the right treatment and finally feel better," he added.

Dr. Aggarwal stressed the importance of timely medical evaluation.

"Early diagnosis and treatment can avoid unnecessary medications and avoid missing out on serious complications. A stitch in time saves nine," he said.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has sparked debate after revealing that she gets very little sleep since taking office.

In a post on X, Takaichi wrote that she had managed to get "five full hours of sleep for the first time in ages"—an improvement from her usual "zero to three hours" a night since becoming prime minister.'.

"On weekdays, by the time I get back to the residence, I'm maxed out on private time just handling bath cleaning, bathing, dinner, washing up afterward, laundry, and some light tidying," she wrote.

"So the late-night hours after that get consumed until dawn with reading materials brought back from the Prime Minister's Office or prepping for … question time."

Takaichi added that whatever free time remained was spent ironing handkerchiefs, catching up on laundry, and repairing clothes.

While the disclosure offered a rare glimpse into the pressures of Japan's highest office, it also sparked a nationwide debate about the health risks of chronic sleep deprivation.

"I think she should rest more," Democratic Party for the People leader Yuichiro Tamaki said at a news conference.

"Why doesn't her entourage provide more support to create an environment in which she can make important decisions with a fresh mind?"

However, some of Takaichi's colleagues defended her.

"Each person has their own various circumstances and behind-the-scenes stories, and on the premise of fulfilling responsibilities in public duties, I would be grateful if you could understand," Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Ayano Kunimitsu wrote on X.

Also read: Could Poor Sleep Be One of the Earliest Signs of Alzheimer's Disease? Study Says Yes

How Much Sleep Do You Really Need?

Dr. Nitin Dange, Comprehensive Stroke and Endovascular Neurosurgeon at Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, told HealthandMe that regularly missing sleep can increase the risk of neurological problems over time.

"Currently, due to hectic schedules, people are now sacrificing sleep to meet work deadlines, study longer, or spend more time on screens. Missing a few hours of sleep once in 2-3 months is harmless.

However, chronic sleep deprivation can not only cause irritation and weight gain but also neurological issues. During sleep, the brain processes memories, repairs nerve cells, regulates emotions, and clears waste products that accumulate throughout the day," Dr. Dange said.

A recent research, published in the journal Alzheimer's & Dementia, suggests that disruptions in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, during which we dream, consolidate memory, and process emotions, could be among the earliest biological signs of Alzheimer's disease.

Dr. Priyam Bordoloi, an Internal Medicine Resident from Assam, also highlighted the dangers of sleeping less than six hours a night.

"When you hit deep sleep, your brain's glymphatic system activates. Think of it as a plumbing system that actively flushes out metabolic waste and neurotoxic proteins (like beta-amyloid) accumulated during the day. When you consistently sleep less than 6 hours, you cut this vital cleaning cycle short. The toxins build up. If you do not fix this, you are actively fast-tracking your risk for Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, stroke etc. It's a bad habit we all need to fix," he wrote on X.

Tips To Sleep Better

Experts recommend getting 7-9 hours of sleep every night for optimal brain health.

• Maintain a consistent sleep and wake-up schedule.
• Avoid screens, caffeine, and heavy meals before bedtime.
• Exercise regularly, but avoid intense workouts late at night.
• Keep your bedroom quiet, cool, and dark.
• Consult a doctor if you snore loudly, stop breathing during sleep, or feel excessively sleepy during the day.