In the early stages (stage 1 HIV infection)– the first 2 to 4 weeks after infection–flu-like symptoms are possible, including:
- Night Sweats
- Fevers and chills
- Headaches
- Upset stomach
- A sore throat
- Body fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Rash
- Mouth ulcers
The truth, however, is that many people may not show these signs at all in the early stages of infection. In other words, these symptoms may be as a result of many other illnesses. That is why it is necessary to get tested regularly every time you feel you are at risk. In the event you get in direct contact with such fluids like blood, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, semen, breast milk, and pre-seminal fluid, involved in unprotected vaginal or anal sex, been sexually assaulted, or shared sharp objects like needles and razors with an infected person, then you immediately need to get tested.
It is usually not possible to detect if you are infected in the very first few days unless a recent nucleic acid test is used, which is otherwise expensive and often not used in regular HIV tests. Just wait between 3 and 12 weeks then get tested and can be sure if you are indeed infected or not.
During the latency stage, 4-months to 10-years, after the first stage of infection, many victims start feeling healthier, but that does not mean the virus is gone. During this period, the virus is active and damaging new cells in the body.
After the latency stage, the virus has destroyed your immune system, and the body becomes too weak to fight against possible infections by viruses, bacteria or fungi. In such a case, the disease has moved from HIV to AIDS. The following symptoms are then likely to exhibit;
- Severe diarrhea
- Significant weight loss
- Fever
- Persistent coughs
- Skin and mouth ulcers
- Frequent infections and illnesses
- Night Sweats
These signs also don’t prove that you are HIV positive until you are tested. In case you are diagnosed with the virus, take your medication correctly and seriously. Combination therapy has dramatically improved the survival rates of victims hence no need to worry. The lifespan of infected individuals undergoing proper and regular treatment is not any different from a person that is not infected since it allows the victim to remain in the clinical latency stage even for decades!
https://www.healthline.com/health/hiv-aids/symptoms-women
https://www.webmd.com/hiv-aids/do-i-have-hiv#1
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/315928.php
https://www.healthline.com/health/hiv-aids/symptoms-men#advanced-infection
Comments