Introduction to HIV
HIV stands for the human immunodeficiency virus. HIV passes person to person through the blood stream and it attacks the immune system. If not treated on time HIV leads to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or AIDS.
HIV is a disease speculated to be affecting thousands of people in USA every year.
It is known that anyone who is affected by HIV, is more prone to face life threatening situations, not because of the virus, but because of the opportune diseases, that enters the system like cancer, any STDs, dengue, and more.
Since HIV is continuing to spread at a shocking rate in USA, it is important to know every detail attached to the disease.
It is important to know early HIV symptoms in women and men so that it can be diagnosed at an early stage with an HIV test.
HIV Facts
- HIV is caused by human immunodeficiency virus which directly attacks the immunity system.
- People who are affected by HIV can live a longer and happier life if they are diagnosed on time and commence with their antiretroviral treatment.
- HIV cannot pass from simple touch. It should be noted that the antiretroviral treatment reduces the blood cells containing the HIV to the extent that HIV becomes undetectable inside the system. This means that whenever a blood test in being conducted, chances are that the individual earlier carrying the virus come out to be negative.
- HIV cannot spread through saliva, sweat or even urine.
- The HIV virus is primarily found in semen, vaginal, blood, breastmilk, and anal fluids.
- To prevent HIV transmission, one must follow safe sex practices. Using condoms, practicing safe sexx techniques and adopting other measures (internal female condoms), stops HIV transmission from an HIV positive person to another.
- Using the same needle can transmit HIV.
- HIV can pass from the mother to the child, during pregnancy, at birth or after birth as well (through breastfeeding).
- HIV can progress into AIDS if it is not diagnosed at time or regular treatment is not followed. AIDS is a condition in which the immunity system becomes way to weak in order to defend the body. In cases of AIDS, it is known that an individual dies from opportune diseases and not AIDS.
- AIDS is known to be the last stage of HIV.
HIV Symptoms
Symptoms in Women
Below mentioned are the early symptoms of HIV in Women which can reveal within 2-4 weeks of exposure.
Early (Acute) Symptoms of HIV in Women
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Nausea, Fatigue
- Mouth Ulcers
- Vaginal infections, like bacterial vaginosis and other yeast infections.
- Night sweats, Vomiting
- joint pain and Muscle aches
- Body rash, Fever
- Sore throat, and severe headaches
AIDS Symptoms in Women
The last stage of HIV, can reveal the following symptoms. It should be noted that AIDS can be avoided provided HIV is diagnosed on time.
- Nausea, vomiting, rapid weight loss
- Sores in mouth
- Persistent diarrhea
- Flu-like illness and Fatigue
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Vaginal infections, like bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections.
- Repetitive night sweats
- Repetitive fever and chills
- Regular swelling of lymph nodes
- Shortness of breath and consistent coughing
- Memory loss, and other neurological disorders like numbness in feet and hands
Pregnancy and HIV
Perinatal HIV, known to be caused during pregnancy can easily spread to the child during child birth, pregnancy and even after the birth, passed on due to breastfeeding. Use of antiretrovirals drugs can eliminate the risk of HIV passing on to the child. It should be noted that on-time diagnosis of HIV and adoption of antiretrovirals at the right time is advised in order to prevent the virus to pass on to the new-born baby.
Who are at risk of HIV?
- People who are in a habit of having unprotected sexual activities. Having more than one sexual partners can always increase the chances of HIV transmission.
- People who have been earlier affected by other STDs like chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhea, herpes, and bacterial vaginosis.
- People who are in an habit of using illegal drugs.
- Sharing injections having steroids or any other medicinal drugs.
Symptoms in Men
Below mentioned are the early symptoms of HIV in Men which can reveal within 2-4 weeks of exposure.
Early (Acute) symptoms of HIV in Men
- Fever, Vomiting and Flu-like illness.
- Sore throat, Body rash, and severe headaches
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Nausea, Fatigue
- Ulcers in mouth and on genitals
- Night sweats
- Muscle aches and joint pain
AIDS Symptoms in Men
- Nausea, vomiting, rapid weight loss
- Sores in mouth
- Persistent diarrhea
- Flu-like illness and Fatigue
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Infections around the penis area.
- Repetitive night sweats
- Repetitive fever and chills
- Regular swelling of lymph nodes
- Shortness of breath and consistent coughing
- Memory loss, and other neurological disorders like numbness in feet and hands.
Complications caused by HIV or infections common to HIV
HIV/AIDS can cause the following complications in your body.
- Lymphoma
- Kaposi's sarcoma
- Neurological complications
- Kidney disease
- Tuberculosis (TB)
- Cytomegalovirus
- Candidiasis
- Cryptococcal meningitis
- Toxoplasmosis
- Other STDs than can come in play during AIDS.
What to do in case you have HIV?
HIV is manageable provided it is diagnosed at time and proper treatment is followed religiously since it takes long time for antiviral drugs to act. In case you feel that you are facing the above mentioned symptoms, then it is recommended that you should register yourself for an HIV test at an STD Testing clinic.
You can register with us, we will book your appointment and test, while adopting minimum paperwork and following strict confidentiality agreement. Within 1-2 business days, we will reveal your test results followed by a doctors consultation in case you appear to be HIV positive.
There is no need to panic and worry, as HIV can be managed, and there are plenty of people who live with HIV a longer and a healthier life. All you need to do is register with us. Stay healthy and safe!