Early Signs and Symptoms of HIV
Some people experience signs and symptoms of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), as soon as they become infected, while others do not. When they occur, early signs and symptoms are often mistaken for the flu or a mild viral infection. Initial signs and symptoms of HIV include:
* Fever
* Headache
* Tiredness
* Nausea
* Diarrhea
* Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, armpits or groin
Any symptoms from becoming infected typically resolve in one to four weeks.
As you can see, the signs and symptoms of HIV infection are similar to those for many different viral infections. The only way to know for sure if you are infected with HIV is to be tested. Many people infected with HIV do not have any signs and symptoms at all for many years.
Later Signs and Symptoms of HIV/AIDS
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says the following signs and symptoms may be warning signs of late-stage HIV infection:
* rapid weight loss
* dry cough
* recurring fever or profuse night sweats
* profound and unexplained fatigue
* swollen lymph glands in the armpits, groin, or neck
* diarrhea lasting more than a week
* white spots or unusual blemishes on the tongue, in the mouth, or in the throat
* pneumonia
* red, brown, pink, or purplish blotches on or under the skin or inside the mouth, nose, or eyelids
* memory loss, depression, and other neurological disorders
HIV destroys the white blood cells that are required to fight infection. As the white cell count falls to dangerous levels, numerous infections and diseases emerge. It is at this point that a person is said to have AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome).
According to the CDC, as with an initial HIV infection, you cannot rely on these signs and symptoms to establish a diagnosis of AIDS. The symptoms of AIDS are similar to the symptoms of many other illnesses. AIDS is a medical diagnosis made by a healthcare professional based on specific criteria established by the CDC.
Source:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "How can I tell if I'm infected with HIV? What are the symptoms?" http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/resources/qa/qa5.htm
Start a discussion on the Men's Health forums
Related Information About HIV AIDS
* How to Talk to Your Kids about HIV
* HIV 101
* How to Say No to Sex
Treatment for AIDS
* Updated HIV Treatment Guidelines
* HIV / AIDS Medication Information
Related Articles
* What are the Symptoms of HIV or AIDS in Women?
* HIV/AIDS in Women - Symptoms and Prevention of HIV / AIDS in Women
* Women and HIV/AIDS - symptoms - causes - testing - pregnancy - HIV - AIDS
* HIV Symptoms - What are HIV Symptoms
* HIV Infection - Do I Have an HIV Infection
by: bUtod
Some people experience signs and symptoms of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), as soon as they become infected, while others do not. When they occur, early signs and symptoms are often mistaken for the flu or a mild viral infection. Initial signs and symptoms of HIV include:
* Fever
* Headache
* Tiredness
* Nausea
* Diarrhea
* Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, armpits or groin
Any symptoms from becoming infected typically resolve in one to four weeks.
As you can see, the signs and symptoms of HIV infection are similar to those for many different viral infections. The only way to know for sure if you are infected with HIV is to be tested. Many people infected with HIV do not have any signs and symptoms at all for many years.
Later Signs and Symptoms of HIV/AIDS
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says the following signs and symptoms may be warning signs of late-stage HIV infection:
* rapid weight loss
* dry cough
* recurring fever or profuse night sweats
* profound and unexplained fatigue
* swollen lymph glands in the armpits, groin, or neck
* diarrhea lasting more than a week
* white spots or unusual blemishes on the tongue, in the mouth, or in the throat
* pneumonia
* red, brown, pink, or purplish blotches on or under the skin or inside the mouth, nose, or eyelids
* memory loss, depression, and other neurological disorders
HIV destroys the white blood cells that are required to fight infection. As the white cell count falls to dangerous levels, numerous infections and diseases emerge. It is at this point that a person is said to have AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome).
According to the CDC, as with an initial HIV infection, you cannot rely on these signs and symptoms to establish a diagnosis of AIDS. The symptoms of AIDS are similar to the symptoms of many other illnesses. AIDS is a medical diagnosis made by a healthcare professional based on specific criteria established by the CDC.
Source:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "How can I tell if I'm infected with HIV? What are the symptoms?" http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/resources/qa/qa5.htm
Start a discussion on the Men's Health forums
Related Information About HIV AIDS
* How to Talk to Your Kids about HIV
* HIV 101
* How to Say No to Sex
Treatment for AIDS
* Updated HIV Treatment Guidelines
* HIV / AIDS Medication Information
Related Articles
* What are the Symptoms of HIV or AIDS in Women?
* HIV/AIDS in Women - Symptoms and Prevention of HIV / AIDS in Women
* Women and HIV/AIDS - symptoms - causes - testing - pregnancy - HIV - AIDS
* HIV Symptoms - What are HIV Symptoms
* HIV Infection - Do I Have an HIV Infection
by: bUtod
