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.

Abdominal, also known as central obesity, poses a greater health risk than overall obesity, especially in Indians, said Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology.

Speaking at the release of a cardiology textbook titled “Advances in Obesity and Lipid Management in CVD,” by eminent cardiologist Dr. H.K. Chopra, Singh said that even lean and thin-looking individuals often carry significant visceral fat.

Amid a rapidly growing number of chronic conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases, the Minister shared that abdominal obesity is the driving factor.

"There is sufficient evidence to show that Central obesity, even in apparently non-obese individuals, predisposes to a wide spectrum of metabolic disorders including diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, fatty liver, dyslipidemia, etc.,” Singh, who is also a diabetologist, said.

“In other words, Abdominal or Central obesity is a greater risk factor compared to overall obesity, particularly in the Indian context where even lean and thin-looking individuals often carry significant visceral fat,” he added.

The Minister reiterated the importance of balanced health practices and emphasized the need for following a “sustained lifestyle discipline, adequate sleep, and scientifically guided preventive care”.

What Is Abdominal Obesity?

Abdominal obesity refers to an excessive accumulation of visceral fat around the stomach and internal organs, such as the liver, heart, kidneys, and the mesentery of the intestine.

Unlike subcutaneous fat, which lies beneath the skin, visceral fat is metabolically active and poses greater health risks.

It can increase your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, and some types of cancer.

It is because visceral fat produces hormones and other substances that can cause inflammation and insulin resistance, which can lead to these health problems.

A 2024 study from the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri, showed that a higher level of visceral fat was related to increased amyloid -- accounting for 77 per cent of the effect of high BMI on amyloid accumulation.

Who Is More At Risk Of Abdominal Obesity

The Minister said that while overall obesity is rising among both men and women, the prevalence of abdominal obesity remains disproportionately high and acts as an independent determinant of cardiometabolic risk. The presence of visceral fat around the abdomen, even without generalized obesity, has significant clinical implications and requires early detection and targeted intervention.

A waist circumference of more than 40 inches for men or 35 inches for women may indicate a higher risk of visceral fat accumulation.

While people with a larger waistline or pot belly are at known risk of having visceral fat, thin people too can have fat accumulation in their internal organs.

According to health experts, even people with a healthy weight can have high levels of visceral fat.

This is because visceral fat is not always visible on the outside of the body, and it can accumulate even if a person appears to be thin or in good shape.

Also read: Checking BMI For Body Weight? It Can Wrongly Mark You As Overweight or Obese, Says Study

Strategies for Successful Weight Management

To tackle obesity, one needs a holistic strategy beyond mere weight reduction. Healthy and sustainable weight reduction and improvement of health are more about body composition than mere weight. Major strategies are:

A balanced diet composed of whole foods, lean meats, and good fats in addition to physical exercise encourages sustainable weight reduction.

Resistance training helps in preserving muscle mass along with fat reduction, which improves metabolic well-being.

Prescription weight-loss medication can help manage obesity alongside lifestyle changes.

For people with severe obesity, surgeries such as gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy may provide significant long-term advantages.

Prioritize your metabolic health through healthy eating, portion control, and mindful eating for long-term success.

Bipolar disorder is commonly misunderstood as mere mood fluctuations; however, it is a serious and complex mental health condition.

The condition presents extreme mood fluctuations — hyperactivity and impulsiveness — and depressive lows — lethargy and hopelessness.

Bipolar disorder affects over 40 million people worldwide. Yet diagnosis remains challenging, as many people remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for long periods. Some are treated for other mental health conditions, such as depression or ADHD, causing delays in effective treatment.

Speaking to HealthandMe, Dr. Kriti Anand, Consultant, Psychiatrist, Paras Health, Panchkula, said: “Early identification of bipolar disorder is essential for the improvement of the condition of patients. It aids in recognizing patterns early on, which helps to stabilize moods and minimize the occurrence of severe and recurring episodes”.

“With the correct identification of the condition and intervention, people can effectively maintain relationships and stay productive,” Dr. Anand added.

Importance Of Early Detection

Recognizing bipolar disorder early is critical for better outcomes. People who do not get a timely diagnosis are likely to experience more frequent and intense mood episodes, which can become harder to manage over time.

Early evaluation allows healthcare professionals to identify patterns and introduce treatments that help stabilize mood and reduce the severity of symptoms.

Notably, the experts stated that treating bipolar disorder simply as depression means that antidepressants are prescribed, which could cause a manic episode to occur.

With early diagnosis, the chances of harmful behaviors are reduced and prevent suicidal tendencies that are often a result of untreated cases of bipolar disorder.

It also enhances the quality of life, enabling patients to maintain healthy relationships, work productively, and attend to their daily responsibilities.

Early symptoms includes

• Extreme irritability, intense happiness, or sudden, uncharacteristic anger
• A sudden, unexplainable rise or decline in energy levels
• Reduced need for sleep without feeling tired or difficulty falling asleep
• Engaging in risky activities
• Racing thoughts or difficulty concentrating

It’s important to conduct a thorough evaluation to ensure an accurate diagnosis. This involves looking at the patient’s medical history and mental health history.

The symptoms are also evaluated using a structured approach. In some cases, a physical examination may also be conducted. As bipolar disorder involves long-term patterns, it’s possible to observe the patient over a long period of time.

Once diagnosed, early intervention can begin. Treatment for bipolar disorder may involve

• drugs to control mood,
• therapy to improve coping abilities,
• lifestyle habits such as sleeping and exercising regularly.

“A thorough and timely evaluation is essential for accurately diagnosing bipolar mood disorder, especially in cases where symptoms overlap with other conditions. Early intervention by mental health experts, in the form of appropriate treatment, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments, can significantly reduce complications," Surg Commodore (Dr.) Sunil Goyal (Retd), Senior Consultant - Psychiatry, Sarvodaya Hospital, Faridabad, told HealthandMe.

"This will help individuals achieve long-term stability of mood along with improved quality of life in all socio-occupational spheres," he added.

Left untreated, bipolar disorder can lead to serious problems that affect every area of your life, including:

• Problems related to drug and alcohol misuse
• Suicide or suicide attempts
• Legal or financial problems
• Trouble getting along with others
• Poor work or school performance

The experts noted that early detection of bipolar disorder is not just about diagnosis; it is about improving lives.

Identifying the condition early helps in reducing the chance of developing serious complications, decreasing the possibility of being misdiagnosed, and also allows for treatment to be delivered in a timely and appropriate manner.

American actress Olivia Munn has opened up about her journey with deadly breast cancer, which came with no typical symptoms.

In her latest interview on CBS News Sunday Morning, the 45-year-old actress recalled being “faced with the possibility of death” in April 2023, when she was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer.

Importantly, the actress had no symptoms, and even tests like a mammogram and ultrasound gave her a clean chit.

"No symptoms. And I had a clear mammogram and a clear ultrasound," Olivia was quoted as saying.

However, the condition was detected after taking the Lifetime Risk Assessment test -- a free online Q&A that gave her a high score estimating the risk of developing breast cancer in a lifetime. The test marked any score above 20 percent as a high risk. Munn's risk score was 37.3 percent.

The online test — Tyrer-Cuzick Risk Model — is publicly accessible and widely recommended by experts, and it calculates a woman’s five-year and lifetime risk of developing breast cancer using a combination of factors like age, family history, genetics, reproductive history, and more.

Post the assessment, she took "an MRI, which led to an ultrasound, which then led to a biopsy," she explained.

The biopsy showed that she had what she described as "an aggressive, fast-moving cancer" in both of her breasts.

Once she learned the diagnosis, she fought back with everything she had. She got a double mastectomy, an ovariectomy, and a partial hysterectomy. Now her risk score is zero.

Instead of recovering quietly, Olivia made it her mission to raise awareness about the condition — posting about her cancer on social media and telling the world about the risk assessment test.

In the years since Munn started sharing her story, the number of women taking the test has increased by 4,000 percent, the report said.

"Knowing that it's really changed so many people's lives. It's been the most amazing thing. There's no way I could have ever predicted it," she said.

In 2025, Olivia’s mother, Kim, was also diagnosed with breast cancer after taking the same risk assessment test.

In an Instagram post, Munn said her mother was diagnosed with Stage 1 HER2-positive breast cancer, a fast-growing but often treatable type of the disease. Her diagnosis came after Munn encouraged her mom and sister to take a free online breast cancer risk assessment.

Also read: Amanda Peet Opens Up About Breast Cancer Battle, Shares Toughest Moment

What Is A Lifetime Risk Assessment Test?

The MagView Tyrer-Cuzick Risk Assessment Calculator is an online tool that helps one calculate their lifetime risk of developing breast cancer.

The tool urges people to reach out to their healthcare professional in case they have any questions about their risk of developing breast cancer and what the best options are for breast cancer screenings or genetic counseling they may have.

Olivia stressed that any woman over 30 should take the test, and if their risk is above 20 percent, they should ask their doctor for a breast MRI.

Also read: Christy Carlson Romano’s Cancer Test Result Shows Why Regular Screening Is Important

Who Should Get Breast Cancer Screening Done?

According to the American Cancer Society, you are considered to be at average risk if you do not have a personal history of breast cancer, a strong family history of it, or a known genetic mutation (like in the BRCA gene) that increases your risk.

This also applies if you have not had chest radiation before the age of 30. These are the breast cancer screening recommendations for women who are at average risk.

Ages 40-44: You have the choice to start getting a mammogram every year.

Ages 45-54: You should get a mammogram every year.

Ages 55 and older: You can switch to getting a mammogram every other year, or you can choose to continue getting one every year.

You should continue to get screened as long as you are in good health and are expected to live at least 10 more years.