HIV SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
HIV is one of the most dangerous diseases of both the 20th and 21st century. Till now HIV has no cure and scientists all over the globe are working around the clock to find its cure. HIV is a virus which causes Aids. It’s defined as Human immune-deficiency virus. AIDS is acquired immune-deficiency syndrome
The only sure way to know you have HIV is by being tested. HIV weakens the immune system so you are going to experience various symptoms which i am going to share with you. Flu like symptoms is the most common. These symptoms have been described by victims as the” worst flu ever”.
Within 2 to 4 weeks after engaging in a risky behaviour watch out for the following symptoms
FEVER
This is often referred to as the primary HIV infection. It’s the body’s natural response to the presence of the virus in its system. According to experts at this point the HIV virus is moving into the blood stream and it’s replicating at an alarming rate.
The victim will have a fever and it’s always on of the first sign of the HIV infection. Body temperature rises over 100 degrees F.
FATIGUE
At this stage simple tasks like typing or writing will be very challenging to the victim and he will have a hard time doing time. Mild fever is always accompanied by fatigue. According to experts victims lose their breath when they do simple exercise like walking on stairs.
SWOLLEN GLANDS
Lymph nodes are part of your body’s natural immune symptom and always get swollen when there is an infection. So when the immune system is depleted swollen glands is a common symptom.
N.B other viral infections have these symptoms too. Those infected with syphilis or herpes also experience this symptom.
SORE THROAT AND COUGH
Dry cough which might sometimes be accompanied by sore throat is a common symptom. If you have a cough which doesn’t seem to go away that might be a red alert for an HIV infection.
SKIN RASH
This is also a common symptom. It might happen at the early or late stages of the infection. Victims of HIV have complained of rashes which are untreatable and not easy to get rid of. So if you start experiencing boil like rashes I advise you to see a doctor as soon as possible.
HEADACHE
Acute headache is one of the most common symptoms of HIV in the primary infection stage. Victims will have an intense headache which cannot be treated by pain killers. If you start headaches which last for days please go and see your doctor.
So if you engaged in a reckless behaviour please go and get tested. It’s the only and sure way of knowing if you have the virus or not.
Keep in mind that the antibodies test might not pick up so once tested go back to the VCT centre after three months to confirm if you are positive or not.
