Recent news reports show that the number of cases of HIV infections is on the rise. The Human Immunodeficiency Virus causes HIV infection and overtime can be Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). This disease affects the immune system, and sadly it still has no cure.
However, one can have a near-normal life expectancy if they start treatment before their immune system become severely impaired. Thus, it is important to get tested the soonest.
This infograph shows the increase of HIV diagnosis since 2008.
The symptoms manifested by HIV can be different from case to case. However, the disease generally follows a pattern; acute illness, asymptomatic period and advanced infection.
Two to four weeks after becoming infected, a high percentage of sufferers experience flu-like symptoms. This is the initial stage of the infection wherein the body creates anti-bodies against the virus.
A few weeks after being infected, you will experience flu-like symptoms, fever, sore throat, headaches and body rash that will eventually go away.
Commonly, fever, sore throat, severe headaches and body rash may be observed. In some cases, the infected person can experience fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, ulcers in the mouth or on the genitals, muscle aches, joint pain, nausea, vomiting and night sweats.
Recurring ulcers on the mouth or genital area can also be a symptom of the infection.
These symptoms typically last for one to two weeks until the body has created antibodies against the virus. Take note that even at this early stage, a carrier of the virus can already spread the infection to other people.
After the initial symptoms appear, HIV may not show any other symptoms for months and even years! However, the virus is replicating within the body, weakening the immune system. This is the Asymptomatic Stage of the disease.
If no intervention had been done, the infection would eventually progress to advanced infection; the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). During this time, the immune system is severely damaged, making one susceptible to opportunistic infections.
Opportunistic infections are normally fended off by a healthy immune system, but can be deadly for people with advanced HIV. Frequent flus, colds, flus, and fungal infections may become more frequent than usual. Here are other symptoms to watch out for in advance infection;
- nausea
- vomiting
- persistent diarrhea
- chronic fatigue
- rapid weight loss
- cough and shortness of breath
- recurring fever, chills, and night sweats
- rashes, sores, or lesions in the mouth or nose, on the genitals, or under the skin
- prolonged swelling of the lymph nodes in the armpits, groin, or neck
- memory loss, confusion, or neurological disorders
Although there is still no cure for HIV, it is important to catch the disease in its earliest stage to manage it well. If you suspect that you might have been infected, you can get tested for free in health centers. There are also some home kit that you can use to privately test for HIV by yourself.
