HIV/AIDS: Symptoms & Causes

HIV is an infection that causes harm to certain immune system cells. HIV reduces the body's ability to clear infections and illnesses. If HIV infection is not treated, it might eventually lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

HIV spreads by interaction with certain bodily fluids. The virus can be transmitted during sex, by sharing needles or syringes, or during pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding. The only method to determine whether you have HIV is to be tested.

HIV is treatable and preventive. Medicine can help control HIV levels in the blood. This prevents the infection from worsening, thus some people never develop AIDS.

The symptoms of HIV and AIDS differ based on the individual and stage of infection.

The first stage of HIV infection can feel similar to the flu. This infection, known as the main infection or acute HIV, occurs approximately 2 to 4 weeks after the virus enters the body.

Fever.

Swollen lymph glands, commonly known as nodes, primarily on the neck.

Sore throat.

Rash.

Muscles ache.

Diarrhea.

Weight loss.

Other symptoms of new HIV infections include headaches, joint discomfort, dry cough, nite sweats, and mouth sores.

These symptoms can persist several days or weeks. Symptoms may be severe, however other people experience minimal or no symptoms during this stage. Even if your symptoms are minor or you don't have any, HIV is easily transmitted to others during the acute stage.

Symptoms frequently resolve after the acute stage. HIV remains in the body and progresses to the clinical latent infection, often known as chronic HIV. This stage can last several years.

Over time, an HIV infection impairs the body's ability to eliminate pathogens.

People with symptomatic HIV infection may develop additional infections, including:

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster.

Thrush is a yeast infection that occurs in the mouth.

Pneumonia is a lung infection.

Symptomatic HIV infection can also result in persistent symptoms, such as:

Fever.

Fatigue.

Lymph glands are swollen.

Diarrhea.

Weight loss.

Without treatment, HIV continues to harm the immune system.

After 7 to 10 years, the infection can lead to AIDS. People with AIDS are more likely to develop illnesses that a healthy immune system might easily treat. Some malignancies are also more common among AIDS patients.

AIDS symptoms include those from the early stages of HIV infection, such as persistent fever, swollen lymph nodes, continuous diarrhea, and fast weight loss.

Sweats.

Chills.

Non-resolving white patches or lesions on the tongue or mouth.

Fatigue.

Skin rash or lumps.

Many people are able to avoid developing AIDS thanks to HIV medication.

If you believe you have come into contact with HIV, consult a healthcare expert straight soon. There is medication that can help combat the illness. This medication, known as post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), is most effective if taken within three days of viral exposure.