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.

An antibiotic routinely used for acne has been linked to a lower likelihood of developing schizophrenia. A new investigation from the University of Edinburgh found that adolescents receiving mental health care who were given doxycycline had a reduced chance of being diagnosed with schizophrenia as adults, compared with those who were prescribed other antibiotics.

Although these early findings cannot confirm that doxycycline prevents schizophrenia, the researchers suggest that its influence on immune activity, inflammation, and programmed cell death may help protect the brain from changes associated with the disorder. “Because this research relies on observational records, it cannot prove that doxycycline directly lowers the risk of schizophrenia, so more studies are needed,” the authors explain.

“Even so, the results raise the possibility that doxycycline could play a role in lowering schizophrenia risk among young psychiatric patients and open new avenues for prevention-focused mental health research.”

What Is Schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a severe psychiatric disorder that affects about 23 million people worldwide, with most cases identified during late adolescence or early adulthood. The illness can appear suddenly and may bring on psychosis. Typical symptoms include ongoing delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thoughts, restlessness, or withdrawal from others. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than two out of three people experiencing psychosis lack access to specialized mental health services.

What Is Doxycycline?

Doxycycline is a broad-acting antibiotic commonly given to teenagers for acne. Some recent research suggests it may also offer certain protective effects for the brain, as it is able to cross the blood-brain barrier. In 2024, Science Alert reported on a Danish study showing that this brain-penetrating antibiotic was associated with a lower likelihood of schizophrenia patients later receiving disability benefits, hinting at how the illness might affect their daily functioning.

To explore this further, child and adolescent psychiatrist Ian Kelleher from the University of Edinburgh led a large international team in reviewing data from more than 56,000 people born in Finland between 1987 and 1997. All had used mental health services in their youth and had been prescribed antibiotics during that time.

The analysis showed that those given doxycycline had a 30 to 35 percent lower chance of developing schizophrenia over the following decade, compared with individuals who had taken other antibiotics. The risk dropped from 2.1 percent in the non-doxycycline group to 1.4 percent in those who used doxycycline.

Doxycycline Linked To A Drop in Schizophrenia Risk

The research team found that taking doxycycline was linked to a 30 to 35 percent reduction in schizophrenia diagnoses over ten years. One theory is that doxycycline may clear an infectious agent that contributes to schizophrenia. Another possibility is that it directly affects inflammation and nerve pathways inside the brain.

Other antibiotics offer hints as well. A 2019 study using stem cells from people with schizophrenia and healthy volunteers showed that minocycline can reduce excessive loss of synapses, a process thought to play a part in schizophrenia. Since both minocycline and doxycycline belong to the tetracycline family, they may share similar properties. Using Finland’s health records, Kelleher’s team noted that nearly half of all psychotic disorders in the population occurred in individuals who had visited adolescent psychiatric services.

The researchers believe this stage of life may offer a valuable period for early intervention, where medications like doxycycline might help reduce the chance of the illness progressing. “Nearly half of the people who develop schizophrenia had earlier contact with child and adolescent mental health services for other issues,” Kelleher says.

“At the moment, we do not have any proven ways to lower the risk of schizophrenia in these young people, which makes these findings encouraging.”

Does Doxycycline Have Side Effects?

Doxycycline is available in two forms, doxycycline monohydrate and doxycycline hyclate, though both tend to cause similar reactions. This list does not include every possible side effect, so consult your medical provider if you are unsure about anything you notice while taking the medication.

Mild doxycycline side effects include:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Sensitivity to sunlight
• Sore throat or difficulty swallowing
• Vaginal yeast infection
• Itchy skin and rash (urticaria)

Rare but serious doxycycline side effects include:

• Ulcers in the esophagus
• Severe skin reactions
• Liver problems
• Tooth discoloration in children
• Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) diarrhea
• Intracranial hypertension (increased pressure around the brain)
• Low blood cell counts

Always speak with your healthcare professional before starting or stopping any medication.

California-based Dr. Salvador Plasencia, who supplied 20 vials of ketamine to Matthew Perry, the Friends (1994–2004) star, has been sentenced to 30 months in prison. Perry, 54, was discovered dead in his luxurious Los Angeles home on October 28, 2023. The actor had a history of depression and substance use but was reportedly on the path to recovery. His final on-screen appearance was playing himself in the 2021 feature-length special, *Friends: The Reunion*.

Perry accidentally drowned due to the acute effects of a ketamine overdose. Five individuals faced charges in the case, all of whom eventually pleaded guilty. Dr. Plasencia is the first person to be sentenced in connection with Perry’s death. In addition to his 30-month prison term, he was ordered to pay a fine of $5,600. But what exactly is ketamine, and how can an overdose affect the body?

Doctor Who Supplied Matthew Perry Ketamine Pleads Guilty

Perry was found dead in his hot tub on October 28, 2023, at age 54. The LA County Medical Examiner determined that his death resulted from the “acute effects of ketamine,” with contributing factors including drowning and coronary artery disease. In July 2025, Dr. Plasencia pleaded guilty to felony charges for distributing ketamine to four individuals. He also confirmed that Perry had received multiple doses of the drug prior to his death. Perry’s death in Los Angeles, California, was officially attributed to the “acute effects of ketamine,” which caused him to lose consciousness and drown in his hot tub. He had struggled with substance abuse for years and had been receiving ketamine treatment for anxiety and depression at an accredited clinic, according to the BBC.

What Is Ketamine?

Ketamine is a medication used by doctors as an anesthetic to induce temporary loss of consciousness. Under the Controlled Substances Act, it is classified as a Schedule III non-narcotic substance. The FDA has approved ketamine for use only as a general anesthetic. However, in some cases, doctors prescribe it “off-label” for conditions such as depression. “Off-label” refers to using a drug for a condition that the FDA has not specifically approved.

How Does Ketamine Overdose Harm Your Body?

Certain medical conditions can make ketamine overdose riskier. People with heart disease or high blood pressure may experience increased intracranial pressure, raising the chance of stroke. Blood flow to the heart can be reduced. As a relaxant, excessive ketamine can interfere with breathing, causing it to become shallow. High doses can also be toxic to the liver and urinary bladder. Unregulated or repeated use may lead to dependence and increase the risk of developing schizophrenia.

Side Effects Of Ketamine

At prescribed doses, common side effects of ketamine, according to Medical News Today, include:

• Drowsiness
• Double vision
• Confusion
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• A general feeling of unease

Ketamine can also cause a wide range of other symptoms affecting different parts of the body, though these are less frequent.

Ketamine As A Drug Of Abuse

Ketamine can produce sensations of detachment from the environment, pain relief, and hallucinations, which has led to its misuse. Recreational users often describe feelings of being separated from their body or a floating sensation. Some report near-total sensory detachment, which they compare to a near-death experience.

The drug is particularly popular among teens and young adults in club settings. Many users prefer ketamine trips to PCP or LSD because the hallucinations are shorter—lasting 30 minutes to an hour—rather than several hours.

Always consult a healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.

As December rolls in, familiar melodies float through malls, train stations and sometimes right outside your front door. Carol groups wrapped in tinsel bring a warm sense of nostalgia. Their voices rise in unison, cheerful and bright, filling cold evenings with a comfort that feels almost instinctive. What most people do not realize is that this seasonal tradition may be giving the singers themselves a genuine health lift.

Researchers have been exploring this for years, and their findings suggest that singing is far more than a joyful holiday hobby. It strengthens social bonds, supports emotional wellbeing and even offers physical benefits that reach deep into the brain and lungs.

Why Singing Feels So Good

Alex Street, a researcher at the Cambridge Institute for Music Therapy Research, describes singing as a cognitive, physical, emotional and social act, as reported by BBC. When people sing, especially in groups, the brain lights up in ways few other activities can replicate. Regions responsible for language, movement and emotion get activated at the same time. The steady breathing that singing requires also prompts the release of endorphins, which brings on feelings of pleasure and reduces pain.

Psychologists have long noted how even strangers can develop a sense of togetherness after singing side by side for just an hour. This may explain why community choirs often feel like extended families.

A Simple Workout with Surprising Benefits

Beyond the emotional high, singing demands more from the body than many expect. Studies have shown that it can improve heart rate, circulation and blood pressure. The controlled breathing and longer exhalations strengthen the lungs in ways similar to moderate physical activity. Some researchers even compare a singing session with a brisk walk.

BBC reports that Adam Lewis, an associate professor of respiratory physiotherapy at the University of Southampton, notes that singing encourages people to use their respiratory muscles more efficiently. This is one reason why it has become a useful complementary tool for people living with chronic lung conditions.

Healing Through Harmony

One of the most profound uses of singing is in therapy for people recovering from brain injuries or neurological illnesses. Music therapists often rely on songs from childhood to help patients regain speech or movement. The story of former US congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords is one of the most well known examples, reports BBC. After surviving a severe brain injury, she regained her speech partly through singing familiar melodies during therapy sessions.

Similar approaches have been used with stroke survivors, patients with Parkinson’s disease and people living with dementia. Singing provides repeated vocal practice, encourages focus, and stimulates both sides of the brain. Experts also believe that it may help slow cognitive decline in older adults, although long term studies are still needed.

A Gentle Way Back to Community

For many people living with chronic illness, joining a choir brings something even more meaningful than physical gains. It offers a space where patients, caregivers and professionals participate as equals. Street describes these shared moments as a rare kind of unity that dissolves labels and replaces them with a sense of belonging.

As researchers learn more about the power of song, the message becomes clearer. Singing is not just entertainment. It is a tool for connection, a low cost therapy and a way to strengthen both mind and body. So this festive season, joining a group around the Christmas tree might be more beneficial than you think.