Last updated on September 27th, 2024 at 06:12 pm
Know about HIV/AIDS
It is important to be aware of the early signs of HIV infection to seek treatment as soon as possible. Early symptoms of HIV resemble those of other flu-like illnesses. Without treatment, it can progress to AIDS, which is the most severe stage of HIV infection. Unfortunately, AIDS completely breaks down the immune system.
Thus, you must be aware of your HIV status especially if you are in a high-risk group. High-risk populations are people who have multiple sex partners, sex workers, transgenders, people infected with sexually transmitted diseases, and healthcare professionals.
Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for managing HIV and preventing its progression to AIDS. If you have early signs and symptoms of HIV, you must see a doctor immediately for testing and treatment.
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Stages of HIV progression
- Stage 1 (acute HIV): Early signs of HIV include flu-like symptoms. These symptoms can last from a few weeks to a few months. Even at this stage, the disease can be transmitted to another person through body fluids, such as blood, or via sexual contact.
- Stage 2 (chronic HIV): This stage is a latent stage and you may not have many symptoms. However, the virus remains inside the body and you can spread the infection. If you are diagnosed at this stage, treatment can stop its progression to stage 3.
- Stage 3 (HIV stage 3): This stage is known as AIDS and is accompanied by a severe compromise in immunity and opportunistic infections like tuberculosis, pneumonia, and cancers.
Early signs of an HIV Infection
There are a few early signs of HIV infection that may appear within a few weeks after exposure. Some people experience HIV symptoms that are akin to a flu-like illness within two to four weeks of becoming infected. This illness is called acute retroviral syndrome (ARS). It is often mistaken for the flu or another viral infection. HIV symptoms/ARS symptoms include:
- Persistent fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Chills
- Muscles and joint pains
- Profuse night sweats
- Rashes
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Sore throat
Early signs of HIV specific to males include:
- Discomfort during ejaculation or sexual contact
- Erectile dysfunction
- Genital symptoms include sores on and around the penis, testicles, or anal region.
- Discharge from the penis
- Chest tissue swelling
- Infertility
Early signs of HIV specific to females include:
- Yeast infections in the vagina with foul-smelling discharge
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Pain during sex or while passing urine
- Menstrual irregularities with either heavy flow or light flow
- Human papilloma virus (HPV) infection
- Infertility
What can you do if you have early signs of an HIV infection?
Early diagnosis and treatment of HIV can help prevent the development of AIDS and improve your overall health. You can do a few things if you have signs and symptoms of an HIV infection.
- Get tested for HIV as soon as possible: Consult a doctor if you have early symptoms of HIV. They may ask for an HIV blood test or a swab test from a pathology lab.
- Start antiretroviral therapy: If you are diagnosed with HIV infection, your doctor may prescribe antiretroviral therapy (ART). This treatment helps keep the virus under control. It can also prevent the virus from damaging your immune system.
What can you do to prevent HIV infection?
You can take several precautions to lower your risk of contracting HIV. They are as follows.
- Safe sex practices: Every time you have sex, use a condom to lower your risk of contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
- Reduce the number of sexual partners you have: Your risk of contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) rises with the number of partners you have. Limit your number of sexual partners or use condoms every time you have sex.
- Take a test: To determine your HIV status and begin treatment if necessary, routine testing is crucial, especially if you belong to a high-risk group population.
- Pre-exposure prevention (PrEP): PrEP is a drug that can be taken every day to lower the risk of contracting HIV in those who are at high risk.
- Never exchange needles: Never share needles, syringes, or other supplies if you inject drugs.
- Know whether your partner has HIV: To lessen your risk of contracting HIV, ask your partner to get tested and take extra precautions if you are having sex with an HIV-positive person.
Conclusion
If you are experiencing early signs and symptoms of HIV, consult your doctor, get tested, and start treatment immediately. Take your medications as prescribed, routinely follow up with your doctor, and follow safe sex practices to prevent transmitting the disease. If you fall into the high-risk population, get tested routinely, follow safe sex practices, LIMIT YOUR NUMBER OF SEXUAL PARTNERS, AND NEVER EXCHANGE NEEDLES FOR TAKING DRUGS.
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FAQs related to HIV
1. Is HIV related to other sexually transmitted diseases?
Yes, certain STIs can raise the risk of HIV infection if not diagnosed and treated on time. STIs like gonorrhoea, syphilis and herpes are closely associated with high-risk behaviour. If you are getting frequent STIs, you must get yourself tested for HIV.
2. How soon will HIV symptoms show up after exposure to the infection?
HIV symptoms usually appear within 2-4 weeks after exposure to the virus. However, symptoms can take up to 6 months to appear.
3. What is occasional exposure to HIV?
HIV can spread through unintentional workplace injuries like cuts and needle stick injuries. The likelihood of this type of transmission occurring is extremely unlikely, but healthcare professionals are at risk for such incidents.
