In AP Style, AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, while HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It’s important to distinguish between these two diseases, as they are not interchangeable.
AIDS In AP Style
AIDS is widely accepted acronym. It stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. AIDS is a serious disease which is caused by a disease named HIV.
HIV is a virus that stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus.
Note: You cannot write or say ‘HIV Virus’.
HIV Virus = Human Immunodeficiency Virus Virus (Wrong)
HIV = Human Immunodeficiency Virus (Correct)
These two diseases cannot be interchangeable. HIV and AIDS are two different diseases. You cannot mixed them up.
Unlike the other viruses like common flu or cold, HIV is such a dangerous virus that remains and never go away. A person with this particular virus, slowly and gradually, becomes severely ill; as this disease badly weakens a person’s immune system. When a person’s immune system becomes so weakened by HIV, then he or she will then diagnosed with AIDS.
Hence, HIV and AIDS are two totally different diseases. You can name AIDS as advanced HIV disease.
When to Use the Term ‘AIDS’ in AP Style
In AP Style, it’s important to use the term AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) appropriately in news reporting to ensure clarity and accuracy. Here’s how to navigate its correct use:
1. Use ‘AIDS’ When Referring to the Disease Stage
AIDS should be used to refer specifically to the advanced stage of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection. It is diagnosed when a person’s immune system has been severely weakened by the HIV virus. When writing about a person who has progressed to this stage, it is appropriate to use “AIDS” to indicate the condition.
Example:
- “The patient was diagnosed with AIDS after his immune system became critically compromised.”
2. Avoid Interchanging ‘HIV’ and ‘AIDS’
AIDS and HIV are distinct, and it’s crucial not to use the terms interchangeably. HIV refers to the virus that causes AIDS, but someone with HIV may not yet have developed AIDS. Use “HIV” when discussing the virus and “AIDS” when referring to the syndrome.
Incorrect Usage:
- “He tested positive for AIDS.” (This implies the person has the syndrome, but not necessarily the virus)
Correct Usage:
- “He tested positive for HIV, but does not yet have AIDS.”
3. Use ‘AIDS’ to Refer to the Final Stages of HIV
AIDS is typically the term used to describe the later, more severe stages of HIV infection. It’s when the individual’s immune system becomes dangerously weak, making them susceptible to opportunistic infections. In news reporting, it is important to specify this stage to highlight the severity of the disease progression.
Example:
- “After living with HIV for many years, she was diagnosed with AIDS, making her vulnerable to other infections.”
4. Avoid Using ‘AIDS’ in a Broad, General Sense
When referring to HIV, avoid using “AIDS” unless discussing the specific syndrome stage. HIV is an ongoing infection that doesn’t necessarily lead to AIDS if properly treated. Therefore, “AIDS” should be used only in contexts where the progression to the syndrome is relevant to the story.
Incorrect Usage:
- “There is no cure for AIDS.” (If talking about the virus itself, this is misleading)
Correct Usage:
- “There is no cure for HIV, but treatments can prevent it from progressing to AIDS.”
Check Out: Prognosis vs Diagnosis.
What Did You Learn?
In summary, “AIDS” should be used carefully in AP Style to distinguish it from HIV. It’s the term for the advanced stage of HIV infection and should only be used to refer to a person whose immune system is significantly weakened. It’s essential to use both terms, HIV and AIDS, correctly to avoid confusion and to provide clear, accurate reporting.