HIV Symptoms and How to Recognize Them

If you want to learn how to recognize HIV symptoms, read the following article. HIV is a deadly virus. It is sexually transmitted – although there are other ways of HIV transmission. We can say that HIV is transmitted through body fluids. That is why drug users are also at risk – they often use non-sterile needles. However, unprotected sexual intercourses are extremely risky, when it comes to HIV transmission. HIV leads to AIDS, a condition that can be lethal. HIV positive individuals can develop AIDS, but they can also prevent it if they start the treatment in time. That is why it is extremely important to know the symptoms of HIV. If you detect it early, you will have more chances to treat it successfully. People who are HIV positive can live with the virus for decades, without developing AIDS.

HIV Symptoms and How to Recognize Them

HIV symptoms usually occur during the first several weeks. This first month after the infection is usually accompanied by a few symptoms, but people often ignore these symptoms, believing it is just flu. Indeed, early HIV symptoms are similar to those of flu. They usually include fever, muscle pain, weakness, cough, and tiredness. Some people can experience skin rashes in any part of the body. Lymph nodes get swollen and sometimes painful to touch. White spots can appear inside one’s mouth and on the tongue as well.

However, people usually ignore the symptoms and treat them with remedies for flu. The symptoms will go away, but the virus will remain in the body. This phase is called “asymptomatic phase” and it can last for a decade, without any symptoms.

Now that you know the symptoms, it will be easier for you to recognize HIV infection. If you have experienced any of the symptoms, you should test for HIV. These tests are very accurate and they are available in nearly every hospital. They are affordable, so anyone can test. If you want more privacy, you can order home HIV tests, but they are more expensive and you get the results on the phone. Perhaps it is better to go to the hospital and talk to a professional about this issue. If your test turns out to be positive, you will get some good advice and further education on HIV prevention and treatment.

HIV Treatments

HIV can be successfully treated with antiretroviral medications. There are several different types of antiretroviral medications. They can be used in pregnant women who are HIV positive to prevent mother-to-child transmission. These medications can improve the lives of HIV positive people significantly. Again, this is only possible if HIV is diagnosed early. If left untreated, it will destroy the body’s immune system to the extent that the body is unable to fight any infection. If this happens, a person will start having serious health problems. During the last phase (AIDS), many opportunistic infections will keep attacking the body, causing severe damages and eventually death. Learn more about HIV prevention; use condoms and take care of your personal hygiene.

The purpose of this article is to inform you about this dangerous virus. Education is crucial in HIV prevention. HIV positive individuals must know how to treat this infection. We would like to hear what you have to say, so please share your experience.