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.

Originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity, GLP-1 receptor agonists have shown benefits beyond blood sugar control and weight loss, including for cardiovascular and kidney health.

Some women, particularly those with polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), formerly known

as PCOS, have reported conceiving after taking these medications.

Although GLP-1 drugs can support weight loss and improve metabolic health, evidence that they directly improve fertility remains limited.

Woman Says GLP-1 Drug Helped Her Conceive

For 30-year-old Ashlee Amborn, pregnancy was challenging. According to ABC News, she had PMOS, one functioning fallopian tube and half a uterus, which complicated her chances of conceiving naturally.

After years of fertility treatments, she conceived her first two children. Four months after her second child's birth, she became pregnant again.

Amborn said a GLP-1 drug prescribed to manage her PMOS symptoms, including inflammation and hormonal imbalances, helped her conceive. She became pregnant after taking the medication for a month.

"It was kind of these mixed emotions of, 'Holy cow, I'm pregnant,'" Amborn said. "I did this on my own without fertility treatment. All it took was a GLP-1."

Also read: Sorority Rush Sees Ozempic Trend: What Young Women Should Know Before Using GLP-1 Drugs

What Does Research Say?

A recent review published in the Journal of the Brazilian Reproduction Association (JBRA) Assisted Reproduction suggests a possible association between GLP-1 use and improved fertility outcomes in women with obesity and PMOS, particularly those also taking metformin, a medication used to manage blood sugar.

Weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity may support ovulation and reduce ovarian dysfunction. However, more research is needed to establish whether these medications improve pregnancy or live-birth rates.

Can GLP-1 Drugs Affect Ovulation?

Dr. Jacinta Anyaoku, a physician at Maven Clinic specializing in obesity and women's health in midlife, told ABC News that research has not established a direct link between GLP-1 use and ovulation rates, although she has observed potential benefits among her patients.

"When you lose weight, your inflammation goes down," Anyaoku said. "It actually can help with improving your rate of ovulation. Your egg quality could potentially improve if you have reduced inflammation, and so these are all potential effects that come with GLP-1 use."

Sharrón L. Manuel, a board-certified OB/GYN and reproductive endocrinology specialist at HRC Fertility, attributes the reported "Ozempic Baby Boom" largely to weight loss and improved metabolic health, which may help restore ovulation.

Excess body weight can disrupt the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis, contribute to insulin resistance and affect egg and uterine lining quality.

Manuel also points to preliminary research suggesting GLP-1 drugs may influence reproductive function through hormonal regulation, reduced inflammation and improved insulin sensitivity. However, preclinical findings involving ovarian function and endometrial receptivity require further investigation in humans.

Read More: GLP-1 Drugs Ozempic, Zepbound Use Rises 24-Fold Among American Women After Childbirth

Can GLP-1 Drugs Be Used During Pregnancy?

GLP-1 drugs should not be used during pregnancy. Women planning to conceive should consult their healthcare professional about stopping treatment. For semaglutide, prescribing guidance recommends discontinuation at least two months before a planned pregnancy.

Women should also seek medical advice about using these medications while breastfeeding.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advises against weight-loss medications during pregnancy. Women considering GLP-1 treatment should discuss the risks, benefits and timing with their healthcare professional, particularly if they plan to conceive.

What About Birth Control?

Tirzepatide, sold under the brand names Mounjaro and Zepbound, can affect oral contraceptive absorption. Its prescribing information recommends switching to a non-oral contraceptive method or adding a barrier method for four weeks after starting treatment and for four weeks after each dose increase.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) symptoms differ between women and men, a new study has found, with potential implications for treatment.

Presented at the 2026 International Congress of Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders in Seoul, the study found that women experienced more severe motor complications and depression. Men, however, had greater cognitive impairment.

“Sex differences in movement disorders remain understudied and undervalued despite having an important impact on clinical outcomes in both real-life and clinical trial settings,” said Dr. Marina Picillo, assistant professor of neurology at AOU San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d’Aragona.

What Did The Study Find?

Researchers retrospectively analyzed 10 years of clinical data from more than 10,000 Parkinson’s patients examined at a movement disorders clinic in Germany.

The findings showed that women had a greater burden of motor complications and depression. Men were more likely to experience cognitive impairment, REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) and loss of smell.

“By analyzing data for more than 10,000 PD patients, this study confirmed that depression is more common in women, while RBD, worse cognition, and poorer olfaction are more prevalent in men,” Picillo said. “With good representation of women (40%), it also confirmed a greater female burden of motor complications.”

How Could The Findings Help?

The findings highlight the need to account for sex differences in Parkinson’s disease management and clinical trial design, particularly given the historical underrepresentation of women in neurological research. However, the factors underlying these differences remain unclear.

Picillo stressed that considering sex differences when tailoring treatment and designing clinical trials could be an important first step toward precision medicine in Parkinson’s disease.

“This would be the very first, basic step for boosting precision medicine in PD,” she said.

What Is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by the loss of dopamine-producing nerve cells in the brain.

Common symptoms include tremors, muscle stiffness, slowed movement and impaired balance. As the disease progresses, patients may have difficulty walking, speaking and performing everyday tasks.

The condition can also cause cognitive impairment, depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, pain and swallowing difficulties, affecting patients’ independence and quality of life. Although it primarily affects older adults, younger people can also develop Parkinson’s disease.

Global Burden Of Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease affected an estimated 11.9 million people worldwide in 2021. The number is projected to reach 25.2 million by 2050, a 112% increase.

Can Parkinson’s Disease Be Prevented?

There is currently no established way to prevent Parkinson’s disease. However, research suggests that certain lifestyle and environmental factors may influence disease risk.

• Physical activity: Regular exercise supports overall health, although its role in preventing Parkinson’s disease remains under investigation.
• Diet and nutrition: A balanced diet supports brain health, but no specific diet has been proven to prevent the disease.
• Environmental factors: Exposure to certain pesticides and other environmental pollutants has been associated with Parkinson’s disease risk. Reducing harmful exposures may help address potential risk factors.

A US lawsuit has accused feminine hygiene brand Carefree of exposing women to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a chemical linked to certain cancers. The complaint alleges that users developed health problems ranging from yeast infections to liver disease.

The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, claims the panty liners contained PFOA, a member of the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) group, New York Post reported.

The women in the suit claim they suffered health problems, including breast, ovarian and kidney cancer; thyroid disease; chronic inflammation; infections; high cholesterol and immune disorders.

Others allegedly suffered reduced fertility or infertility, while the lawsuit claims the women now live in fear of developing cancer because of their alleged exposure.

“Each plaintiff suffered physical, mental, and emotional pain and suffering, anxiety over her diagnosis and treatment, and loss of enjoyment of life,” the papers state.

But can chemicals in panty liners pose a health risk? Scientific research has detected potentially harmful substances in menstrual products, raising questions about repeated exposure.

What Are PFOA And Forever Chemicals?

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PFOA is a synthetic chemical belonging to the PFAS family, commonly known as forever chemicals because some can persist in the environment and human body for years.

Research has linked PFOA exposure to an increased risk of kidney and testicular cancers. Studies have also associated exposure with health concerns involving cholesterol, thyroid function and the immune system.

However, the risks depend on the chemical, the level and duration of exposure, and how it enters the body. The allegations against Carefree do not, by themselves, establish the extent of exposure from panty liners or the resulting health risks.

What Does Research Say About Chemicals In Panty Liners?

A February study published in Science of the Total Environment detected endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), including phthalates, bisphenols and parabens, in sanitary pads and panty liners.

Detection frequencies ranged from 75% to 100% in panty liners and 50% to 100% in sanitary pads. Phthalates were more prevalent in liners, while bisphenols were detected more frequently in pads.

The researchers estimated daily exposure doses of 2–20 nanograms per kilogram of body weight under normal skin-absorption assumptions, rising to 8–80 nanograms per kilogram under alternative exposure assumptions.

The findings highlight menstrual products as a potential source of chemical exposure, particularly when use is repeated over long periods and exposure occurs alongside other sources.

Some endocrine-disrupting chemicals have been investigated for their potential effects on hormonal and reproductive health. However, detecting these substances in menstrual products does not establish that using the products causes cancer.

More research is needed to determine how much of these substances is absorbed during normal use and whether the resulting exposure poses a measurable health risk.

Can Panty Liners Cause Irritation Or Infections?

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Chemical exposure is not the only concern associated with panty liner use. Fragrances and other ingredients may trigger allergic reactions or contact dermatitis in people with sensitive skin.

Prolonged moisture and friction can also aggravate irritation around the vulva. Although liners do not necessarily cause bacterial or yeast infections, continuous use may cause discomfort in some people.

Persistent itching, unusual discharge or recurring irritation should be assessed by a healthcare professional.

How To Use Panty Liners More Safely

• Choose unscented liners: Fragrances may irritate sensitive skin.
• Change them regularly: Replace liners when damp or soiled to reduce prolonged moisture and friction.
• Avoid unnecessary use: Skip liners when you do not need them, particularly if they cause irritation.
• Check product information: Look for disclosures about materials and whether PFAS are intentionally added. Such claims do not guarantee the complete absence of these chemicals.
• Seek medical advice: Consult a healthcare professional if irritation or other symptoms persist.