What are the Signs and Symptoms of HIV? HIV virus affects the immune system which protects the body from illness. It especially affects CD4 cells and decreases their growth, as the body becomes less responsive to fight off infection and disease. HIV can lead to the growth of AIDS, and it is the last stage of HIV that can be life threatening. The time period that is required for HIV to develop into AIDS is indeterminate. It sometimes takes few months, or as long as ten years because the existence of HIV may not result in the development of AIDS. If HIV is detected in an early stage it can be curtailed with appropriate medicine. Mainly, antiretroviral therapy (CART) is used for treating HIV. It will reduce the progression of HIV and enhance quality of life. Generally, HIV is transmitted through male to male sexual contact. That’s why HIV is more prominent in gay and bisexual men. But, it can also be transmitted through heterosexual contact. HIV virus can pass from one person to another via infected blood, semen and vaginal fluids. The risk of HIV also increases in case of having sex with multiple partners. HIV mainly is seen in three different stages. The first stage is acute infection and typically happens within two or six weeks after the body is exposed to infection. Symptoms of acute infection look similar to some viral illnesses and the flu. Symptoms of HIV infection ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
Headache Diarrhea Nausea and vomiting Fatigue Aching muscles Sore throat Red rash that doesn't itch, usually on the torso Fever
After the first stage of HIV, the immune system becomes weakened and the infection goes into the second stage that can last for a longer period, without showing symptoms. This stage is an asymptomatic period, and at this point the person knows that they are infected with HIV and can transmit it to others. This period can last for 10 or more years. In this stage HIV slowly starts killing CD4 cells and completely destroys the immune system. During this stage, blood tests can reveal the number of said cells. Generally, an average number of CD4 cells in a person is between 450 and 1,400 cells per microliter. However, for an HIV infected person the numbers of CD4 cells are reduced to dangerously low levels.
Early symptoms of HIV can be very mild, but if not taken care they can become severe. These symptoms are related to cold and flu and also include some other symptoms like: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
Swollen glands Rashes Infections Low grade fevers Rapid weight loss Cough and shortness of breath Recurring fever, chills, and night sweats Sores in the mouth Red lesions under the skin or inside the mouth or nose Prolonged swelling Neurological disorders
In many cases it may take years to develop severe symptoms of HIV. If a person is exposed to these symptoms, it is important to get tested for HIV. Make sure to schedule an appointment with your doctor and get complete testing phases related to HIV. After the initial symptoms are detected, HIV virus may not develop any other symptoms for months or years. In this period the virus replicates within your body and starts weakening your immune system. An HIV-infected person may not feel sick in this phase, but the virus is still active and can easily be transmitted to others. It is vital to get testing as early as possible, as quick detection can lessen the severity of symptoms.
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