AIDS, or Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, is a chronic, potentially life-threatening condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). While HIV is the virus that attacks the immune system, leading to its gradual deterioration, AIDS is the final stage of HIV infection, characterized by a severely weakened immune response. Not everyone who is infected with HIV will develop AIDS; with proper medical care, HIV can be controlled, and individuals can live long, healthy lives without progressing to AIDS. The distinction is crucial as it emphasizes the importance of early detection and treatment of HIV to prevent the onset of AIDS.