During the first few weeks after infection (a period called acute HIV infection or acute retroviral syndrome), some people notice signs such as fever, body aches and sore throat . But after the acute infection stage, patients move into the latent clinical stage, or chronic HIV, with most of them having no symptoms.
HIV is a virus that has no cure, attacks the body’s immune system. It can be transmitted through body fluids such as semen, blood and breast milk; however, it is not transmitted through saliva. To prevent HIV, CDC recommends using condoms or possibly exploring new medications such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), to prevent HIV transmission.
Although there is currently no cure, most HIV patients can still live long and healthy lives thanks to ARV treatment.
However, if left untreated, HIV can progress to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), making patients susceptible to more serious illnesses and eventually leading to death. death.
The only way to really know if someone has HIV is to get tested (which everyone should have at least once a year if they are sexually active and unprotected). There are two options for anonymous testing and private home testing, but make sure your tests are approved by your health authority and be aware that results are not always accurate (and may require follow-up test if positive).
Because early detection of HIV can prolong the patient’s life and reduce transmission rates, knowing suspected symptoms (as well as knowing that most cases will be asymptomatic) is important. Here’s what you need to know about early symptoms of HIV infection in women:
1. Fever and chills
Mild fever – 37o5 to 38o3 – with chills as one of the symptoms HIV is the most common that you may notice. The body is trying to fight off a foreign invader that shouldn’t be there and in this case is ineffective.
While hyperthermia actually kills some weak viruses better than the flu, but it’s not enough to wipe out HIV. Fever usually lasts for a week or two but it may only be present for a day. If there is any chance you may be infected get tested.
2. Always waking up sweaty at night
Being sweaty on a hot night without air conditioning is definitely not the same as night sweats that cause sweating So bad that you want to change the bed sheets. This is when the body is trying to release toxins.
Although HIV can cause night sweats many other potential culprits can also include menopause infection mononucleosis and cancer like lymphoma and leukemia. So if you find your bedding soaking wet for a few counts, you definitely need to see a doctor.
3. Rash
Some people experiencing HIV symptoms notice a pale red rash all over their body including their arms, trunk and legs – although it may appear just in one or two places.
It is an all-over red color rather than discrete red bumps. If you’ve ever had a drug reaction rash, it’s the same.
The rash usually lasts at least a week and most patients say it doesn’t itch; it is a response to fever along with the body’s natural inflammatory response when fighting infection.
4. Very painful throat
The inflammatory response to a severe viral infection can also cause the throat to become inflamed, making it difficult to swallow. But unlike strep throat, your doctor won’t find white patches on your throat, just redness and inflammation like when you have a cold.
Many viruses affect the throat but If you are worried about HIV it is best to see a doctor.
5. Feeling sleepy and achy all over
You may feel uncomfortable (and really tired) for at least a week after being infected with HIV.
It’s a constant exhaustion – even going to work or doing normal activities is very tiring. Everything hurts. It’s hard to move and you can’t make yourself comfortable. The body is fighting the HIV virus and it gets tired.
6. Swollen axillary and groin lymph nodes
Lymph nodes— located in the axillary neck and groin—produce infection-fighting cells, and right now they are struggling to cope. direct attack from HIV. That’s why more than a third of people exposed to the virus report that their lymph nodes are larger than normal.
If you feel a lot of swollen lymph nodes in different locations, That difference is definitely a symptom that needs to be checked with a doctor.
7. Yeast infection
Yeast is a microscopic fungus that lives naturally in the mouth and vagina. However, when infected with HIV, they grow uncontrollably, causing yeast infections.
At this time, the body’s natural ability to fight other infections is being attacked.
However, many diseases such as diabetes often cause yeast infections – and some women without any underlying health conditions are more likely to get yeast infections than others. So check with your doctor for treatment; If you think you might be newly infected with HIV, ask if you need to be tested.
8. Canker sores
Canker sores are soft, circular ulcers on the lining of the mouth – and they can be caused by inflammation as the body tries to fight HIV.
They often causes pain and sensitivity to acidic foods such as lemon. However, it should be noted that these ulcers can occur for many different reasons such as food allergy stress or hormonal changes.
9. Unexpected weight loss
In its later stages, untreated HIV causes wasting, meaning loss of fat and muscle mass because the virus causes you to lose your appetite and prevents your body from nutrient absorption.
While the amount of weight lost will vary, it will be noticeable and usually occurs over a long period of time. Often friends and relatives will comment that you are losing weight. However, this does not happen in patients who are well treated with modern drugs.
10. Diagnosing meningitis
When HIV spreads through the central nervous system it can cause viral meningitis, which swells the protective membranes of the brain and spinal cord. According to the CDC, common symptoms of viral meningitis include fever causing lethargy and vomiting.
Cryptococcal meningitis is also commonly associated with HIV infection although it is often more advanced. later or in AIDS patients. Most people are exposed to cryptococcus fungi at some point, but a weakened immune system cannot fight exposure in the same way as a healthy person.
11. Vomiting at the mouth
The digestive triad – diarrhea, nausea and vomiting – can also be an early sign of HIV infection. With an increase in the amount of virus in the blood the immune system goes into a “hyperactive” state.
In short, digestive disorders may not just be due to the stomach so check it out. Are you at risk of HIV infection?
Cam Tu
According to WH
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