These are 13 Must See HIV Symptoms..
Here are some of the signs and symptoms that may come with HIV infection:
1. Fever:
If
you have practiced unprotected sex, watch out for fevers as a symptom
of HIV. Early after being infected by HIV, you may experience flu like
symptoms. This can include a low grade fever that does not respond to
med
ication.
You may experience night sweats as a response to the fever. The fever
is an inflammatory reaction to the virus entering your blood stream.
2. Sore Throat:
Sore throat may be an early indicator of HIV infection. This may be an early symptom as the body reacts to the v
iral infection.
It
can also occur later in the disease as the infected individuals immune
system becomes compromised. Sore throat may be caused by thrush in the
mouth or esophagus, and ulcers.
Chronic throat problems should be checked out by your family doctor.
3. Body Pain:Sore
muscles and joint pain are common symptoms of HIV infection that occur
in the early flu like phase. This can be caused by the swollen lymph
nodes, or from rheumatic illnesses.
Rheumatic disease affects the
muscles and joints of the body, causing inflammation. This disease can
lead to arthritis, fibromyalgia, and vasculitis.
Some HIV medications can also cause these symptoms.
4. Cough:
A dry, persistent cough can be a
long term symptom of HIV infection. This symptom is not typically cured
with medications like antibiotics and cough suppressants.
Coughing
may be an early symptom as the body reacts to the new virus. It is also
a long term symptom caused by the damaged immune system. The cough may
develop into pneumonia, which can be a serious symptom with dangerous
effects.
5. Swollen Lymph Nodes:Swollen
lymph nodes may be a starting sign of HIV infection. 67% of HIV
sufferers may experience some sort of lymph node swelling. This common
ly occurs in the neck, under arms, and groin region.
Lymph nodes are distributed all throughout the body so any abnormal
swelling could be a symptom. Lymph nodes swell as the immune system is
activated and the body fights off infection.
6. Headaches:
One of the first symptoms of the
flu related symptoms of HIV is an unrelenting headache. The headaches
may develop into chronic debilitating migraines.
Migraines become
chronic after affecting a person for 15 or more days per month. 50% of
people infected with HIV will experience headaches as a symptom, while
27% will experience chronic migraines.
This is compared to the general population, where only 2% of people suffer from chronic migraines.
7. Weight Loss:
Weight loss in HIV infected individuals is common through the
progression of the disease. When first infected, the flu like symptoms
can cause nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. This can cause a temporary
loss in weight.
As the illness progresses, weight loss can be caused by a condition called “AIDS wasting”.
The
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services categorize a person as
having AIDS wasting when they have lost 10% or more of their body
weight, and have experienced related weight loss symptoms for a period
greater than 30 days.
8. Yeast Infection:
As HIV develops, the
infected persons immune system becomes compromised. One of the starting
symptoms of a failing immune system is bodily infections. Yeast
infections are very common, and they affect more than just women.
The
cause of this infection is a fungus called Candida. It can affect the
body in different ways, such as vaginal yeast infections, thrush,
intestinal infections, and more.
Getting rid of these infections may prove futile until HIV medication is in place.
9. Fatigue:
Fatigue associated with HIV may be the most under-reported symptom. Many people suffer from chron
ic fatigue but do not realize it is a medical condition.
Chronic fatigue is tiredness that cannot be alleviated with rest.
Fatigue is first reported in the flu like symptoms that accompany the
early stages of HIV. Once this phase is complete, fatigue may not appear
until AIDS develops.
10. Skin Rash:
Skin rash is one of the most
common symptoms of HIV. Called the “HIV rash”, this symptom can be seen
in approximately 85% of cases. The rash may develop into blisters at the
warm moist areas of the body, including genitals and facial regions.
Most rashes develop on the trunk of the body. The appearance of the rash is red bumps that may itch and peel.
11. Night Sweats:As
the HIV infection develops in the body, flu like symptoms can appear.
One of the most annoying and notable symptoms is night sweats. The
sufferer may go to bed at a good temperature, but through the night may
experience widely ranging body temperatures, going from very cold to
very hot quite quickly.
The physical response of the body is to
pour sweat to regulate the temperature. The person may wake up soaking
wet and have to change their sheets and clothing.
12. Cold Sores:Cold sores can be a symptom of
HIV. Cold sores are caused by the Herpes Simplex virus. It can occur as
genital, rectal, or oral herpes.
Anyone can be infected with
herpes, regardless of their HIV status. Those who are infected with HIV
and have cold sores may suffer from recurrent outbreaks of the herpes
virus.
13. None:The most dangerous symptom of HIV is having none at all. Many of those infected do not know they are. This can be part
icularly dangerous as the person may continue to have unprotected sex, potentially spreading the disease.
In 2001, it is estimated that less than 1% of the population has been tested for HIV.
In
South Africa, it is estimated that over 5 million people are infected.
If you think you are at risk for HIV, get tested right away.
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