Early Signs And Symptoms Of HIV That Everyone Must Know
HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. This virus destroys the CD4 cells, also called T cells, of the immune system.
It poses the threat of progressing to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) if not medically treated.
AIDS is a deadly disease affecting the immune system to the point of failure, leaving it unable to fight fatal infections and cancers.
HIV is most commonly transmitted through blood, vaginal discharge, semen, pre-seminal discharge, and anal discharge.
High-risk sexual behavior and exposure through injection or infusion are the most common ways the HIV virus may enter the body.
It’s not possible to get rid of HIV once a person is infected.
But an HIV-positive person can lead a long and productive life once its common symptoms are identified, properly given with medical treatment, and the patient chooses to live a healthy lifestyle.
Two to six weeks after it is contracted, symptoms of an HIV infection may start presenting themselves.
Here Are Early Sign And Symptoms Of HIV That We Must Know
Sore Throat
Many patients suffer from a sore throat before the onset of fever. They may experience pain in swallowing food, water, and saliva. This sore throat may last up to 2 weeks at a stretch and may be accompanied by mouth ulcers.
Fever
During the initial HIV stage, a fever likely to be recurrent and persists for 2 to 4 weeks at a time. This infection-associated with fever is often accompanied by night sweats.
Night Sweats
HIV-induced night sweats occur persistently and without exertion. They may drench your sheet and clothes and may be nearly impossible to sleep through.
In HIV patients, night sweats usually accompany a fever.
Rashes and Seborrheic Dermatitis
Patients also have rashes, which was the second most commonly reported symptoms of HIV.
Swollen Lymph Nodes
Since the main task of HIV cells is weakening the immune system, they identify the key immunity-boosting parts of the body and attack them. This includes the lymph nodes.
When your lymph nodes swell, it means that the immune system is working hard to minimize that damage caused by the HIV infection. It becomes painful and tender to touch. They can frequently appear and disappear. It is a cause for concern if swelling persists longer than 2 to 4 weeks.
Nausea And Vomiting
Nausea is your body’s way of letting you know your system is under attack by these infections.
Diarrhea
Fatigue/Tiredness
Fatigue may also induce depression and anxiety.
Headaches
Primary headaches, like migraines, tension-type headaches and headaches occurring on one side and persisting for weeks are recurrent headaches not associated with any underlying illness. They may signify that HIV is in its initial stage.
Secondary headaches, like headaches from meningitis or sinus headaches, are associated with other illnesses that develop in the later stages of HIV when the immune system further weakens, therefore allowing for opportunistic infections to thrive.
Due to these secondary illnesses, tension-type headaches often exacerbate and combine with secondary headaches.
Muscle Pain (Myalgia) and Joint Pain (Arthralgias)
The patient may experience severe pain in two or more joints and this will last between 2 and 24 hours.
These symptoms intensify as the disease progresses.
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