Below you can read about 13 of the most common signs and symptoms that might indicate HIV infection:
Skin Rash: As experts say, skin rash is one of the most common symptoms of HIV. It is known as “HIV rash” and this symptom occurs in approximately 85% of cases. The rash may develop into blisters at the warm moist areas of the body, including genitals and facial regions. It is important to mention that most rashes develop on the trunk of the body. The appearance of the rash is red bumps that may itch and peel.
Swollen Lymph Nodes: In many cases, swollen lymph nodes are some of the starting sign of HIV infection. Even 67% of HIV sufferers experience some sort of lymph node swelling. Important fact is that it mostly occurs in the neck, under arms, and groin region. You should be aware that lymph nodes are distributed all throughout the body so any abnormal swelling could be a symptom. Lymph nodes swell as the immune system is activated and the body fights off infection.
Body Pain: If you have issues with sore muscles and joint pain, keep in mind that it may be symptom of HIV infection that occur in the early flu like phase. This can be caused by the swollen lymph nodes, or from rheumatic illnesses. In most cases, rheumatic disease affects the muscles and joints of the body, causing inflammation. This disease can lead to arthritis, fibromyalgia, and vasculitis. Some HIV medications can also cause these symptoms.
Fever: In case if you have practiced unprotected sex, be careful if you notice if you have fever, as it is one of symptoms of HIV. Early after being infected by HIV, you may experience flu-like symptoms. This can include a low grade fever that does not respond to medication. You also may experience night sweats as a response to the fever. The fever is an inflammatory reaction to the virus entering your blood stream.
Sore Throat: One of the early indicators of HIV infection may be sore throat. This may be an early symptom as the body reacts to the viral infection.
It can also occur later in the disease as the infected individuals immune system becomes compromised. Sore throat may be caused by thrush in the mouth or esophagus, and ulcers. Note that chronic throat problems should be checked out by your family doctor.
Cough: If you suffer from dry, persistent cough, note that it may be a long term symptom of HIV infection. This symptom is not typically cured with medications like antibiotics and cough suppressants. The explanation is that coughing may be an early symptom because the body reacts to the new virus. It is also a long term symptom caused by the damaged immune system. The cough may develop into pneumonia, which can be a serious symptom with dangerous effects.
Fatigue: Medical experts say that fatigue associated with HIV may be the most under – reported symptom. Many people suffer from chronic fatigue but do not realize it is a medical condition. Still, it is important to make a difference that chronic fatigue is tiredness that cannot be alleviated with rest. Fatigue is first reported in the flu like symptoms that accompany the early stages of HIV. Once this phase is complete, fatigue may not appear until AIDS develops.
Headaches: One of the first flu – related symptoms of HIV is an unrelenting headache. These headaches may develop into chronic debilitating migraines. Migraines become chronic after affecting a person for 15 or more days per month. 50% of people infected with HIV will experience headaches as a symptom, while 27% will experience chronic migraines. This is compared to the general population, where only 2% of people suffer from chronic migraines.
Night Sweats: As a result of the development of the HIV infection in the body, you may experience flu like symptoms. One of the most annoying and notable symptoms is night sweats. The sufferer may go to bed at a good temperature, but through the night may experience widely ranging body temperatures, going from very cold to very hot quite quickly.
pour sweat is physical response of the body in order to regulate the temperature. The person may wake up soaking wet and have to change their sheets and clothing.
Yeast Infection: Over time, as HIV develops, the immune system of infected people becomes compromised. One of the starting symptoms of a failing immune system is bodily infections. Yeast infections are very common, and it is important to mention that they don’t affect only women. The cause of this infection is a fungus called Candida. It can affect the body in different ways, such as vaginal yeast infections, thrush, intestinal infections, and more. Getting rid of these infections may prove futile until HIV medication is in place.
Cold Sores: Cold sores is another symptom of HIV. Cold sores are caused by the Herpes Simplex virus and this virus can occur as genital, rectal or oral herpes.
Anyone can be infected with herpes, regardless of their HIV status. Those who are infected with HIV and have cold sores may suffer from recurrent outbreaks of the herpes virus.
Weight Loss: Unplanned and unexpected weight loss is common at HIV infected individuals through the progression of the disease. When first infected, the flu like symptoms can cause nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. This can cause a temporary loss in weight. As the illness progresses, weight loss can be caused by a condition called “AIDS wasting”.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, say that people that have AIDS wasting when they have lost 10% or more of their body weight, and have experienced related weight loss symptoms for a period greater than 30 days.
None: Last, but not least, it is important to remember that the most dangerous symptom of HIV is having none at all, so many infected persons don’t know they are. This can be particularly dangerous as the person may continue to have unprotected sex, potentially spreading the disease.
Source: myhealthymag.com
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