There are no signs or symptoms that can diagnose HIV; only an HIV test can be done. With that being said, there are certain indications that a person may be HIV-positive. Symptoms can vary depending on whether the person is in a critical (new) or chronic (ongoing) stage of infection.
Critical symptoms occur when the body’s immune system launches an all-out attack on the virus when it first invades the body. These early symptoms are caused by the body’s response to the virus and are called acute retroviral syndrome (ARS) .
Chronic symptoms occur when the virus breaks down the immune system, leaving you open to infection. During the chronic phase, most of these symptoms are inaccurate, which means they can be caused by any number of factors.
This article describes seven signs and symptoms that you may easily miss if you are HIV positive or have just been diagnosed with HIV.
Table of Contents
Unexplained Skull
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Outbreaks appear to be exacerbated during HIV / AIDS, although only 2 out of 5 new infections occur. The rash is different in large areas of flat, red skin with small bumps. The rash may sting or be painful. Flu-like symptoms are also common.
The outbreak usually begins two to six weeks after exposure to the virus and will last for one to two weeks. The most common rash affects the trunk and face, but can sometimes occur in the arms, legs, hands, and feet.
If you experience a sudden outbreak of flu-like symptoms two to six weeks after having sex with an unidentified HIV-positive partner, you may need to consider HIV as a possible cause.
What Does HIV Rash Look Like?
Inflammation of the lymph nodes .This image contains content that some people may find offensive or offensive.
Inflammation of the lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy) can occur in the early stages of HIV as the body tries to kill the virus. it usually affects the lymph nodes in the armpits, neck, edge, or behind the ear. Inflammation can sometimes be painful and invisible.3As other symptoms of acute infection become apparent, swollen lymph nodes may persist in some individuals for weeks or months.3
Lymphadenopathy is also common with opportunistic infections such as tuberculosis and HIV-related cancer.
About Swollen Lymph Nodes and HIV
Oral Thrush is One of the most common opportunistic infections in people living with HIV is oral thrush. It is considered “opportunistic” because it captures the opportunity to infect when the immune system is weak.
Oral thrush, also known as oral candidiasis, is caused by a fungus that can enter the mouth and throat. It can affect healthy people but it is still a sign that the immune system is weakening.5When the immune system is severely damaged, the fungus can spread to the airways, lungs, and even blood.5Oral thrush does not automatically detect HIV but may authorize HIV testing if you are at risk of infection.
Recap
Oral thrush is one of the first signs that your immune system is weakening due to HIV.
4 Things You Should Know About HIV Lymphadenopathy
Night Sweats
Night sweats, also known as sleep hyperhidrosis, can occur during the critical phase as the body fights the virus or during the chronic phase due to opportunistic infections.7In contrast to sweating, night sweats are when your clothes and bedding are soaked with sweat, often sinking and causing tremors. Sweating of this level has never been considered normal.8Night sweats may occur for other reasons, some of which are less serious (such as menopause) and others that may be (like cancer) .8 If you have night sweats, do not hesitate to get tested.
Night Sweats As a Symptom of HIV
Weight loss will be followed by fatigue and constant tiredness. This is not about losing just a few pounds. This is a sudden, unexplained loss of 10% or more when both fat and soft muscles are lost.9
Also known as HIV wasting syndrome, this condition is less common today because of the use of antidepressants and allows the immune system to rebuild itself. Corruption is more prevalent in people who have not been treated for HIV.9The exact cause of HIV damage is unknown, but it is thought that chronic inflammation caused by HIV increases the rate at which it is burned and reduces the levels of testosterone needed to build soft tissues.9Other common causes of waste include malnutrition, chronic diarrhea, tuberculosis, and cancer, all of which require immediate diagnosis and treatment.
Speak again
HIV wasting is 10% or less weight loss. It is linked to untreated, HIV-infected HIV infection, which progresses when both body fat and muscle mass are lost.
What is HIV Wasting Syndrome?
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI .If you have a sexually transmitted infection (STI), you are more likely to be HIV positive. The possibilities may be greater than you think.
Some STIs such as syphilis and herpes cause sores that make it easier for HIV to enter the body.
