HIV Symptoms You May Not Be Aware Of
Much has been written about HIV, AIDS and the risks of unprotected sex, but not too many actually know what the early signs of HIV infection are.
Cases of HIV infections have recently been alarming so it is important to be aware of the possible symptoms, since most can be misinterpreted with very common infections.
First, it is important to note that HIV and AIDS are not the same.
HIV or Human Immunodeficiency Virus is an early stage infection which attacks body cells tasked to fight infection and may or may not lead to AIDS (Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome) in its advanced form.
HIV will not necessarily develop into AIDS, but it leaves a person more vulnerable to a host of diseases which can have debilitating effects during its late stages.
The problem is, about a third of those who contract the various will not display early symptoms and may live with the virus for years before realizing that they have been affected.
Primary HIV infection may show symptoms as early as two weeks after exposure and can be confused with the common flu or fever.
The most evident symptoms are sore or dry throat, headache, high fever and extreme fatigue or a notable lack of energy, joint and muscle pains, nausea, loss of appetite, swollen lymph glands, and occasional rashes in the chest area.
About 60% of those who get infected will show some of these symptoms, but most often these are just passed off as a bout with fever or the flu.
The key is to deliberate whether you are experiencing some of these symptoms following recent unprotected sex.
If you've been using condoms, then there's the slimmest chance that your symptoms are HIV related.
But if you have been engaging in unprotected sex, it pays to give a little concern if you begin to experience any of these symptoms.
The mere fact that the symptoms fade away after a few days does not necessarily mean you're clear.
It is advisable to get tested since HIV tests can now detect the virus as early as 10 days after infection develops.
Nothing beats the peace of mind you get, knowing you have not contracted the virus; or if you have, there are post-exposure prophylaxis treatments the medical experts can recommend to you.
Cases of HIV infections have recently been alarming so it is important to be aware of the possible symptoms, since most can be misinterpreted with very common infections.
First, it is important to note that HIV and AIDS are not the same.
HIV or Human Immunodeficiency Virus is an early stage infection which attacks body cells tasked to fight infection and may or may not lead to AIDS (Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome) in its advanced form.
HIV will not necessarily develop into AIDS, but it leaves a person more vulnerable to a host of diseases which can have debilitating effects during its late stages.
The problem is, about a third of those who contract the various will not display early symptoms and may live with the virus for years before realizing that they have been affected.
Primary HIV infection may show symptoms as early as two weeks after exposure and can be confused with the common flu or fever.
The most evident symptoms are sore or dry throat, headache, high fever and extreme fatigue or a notable lack of energy, joint and muscle pains, nausea, loss of appetite, swollen lymph glands, and occasional rashes in the chest area.
About 60% of those who get infected will show some of these symptoms, but most often these are just passed off as a bout with fever or the flu.
The key is to deliberate whether you are experiencing some of these symptoms following recent unprotected sex.
If you've been using condoms, then there's the slimmest chance that your symptoms are HIV related.
But if you have been engaging in unprotected sex, it pays to give a little concern if you begin to experience any of these symptoms.
The mere fact that the symptoms fade away after a few days does not necessarily mean you're clear.
It is advisable to get tested since HIV tests can now detect the virus as early as 10 days after infection develops.
Nothing beats the peace of mind you get, knowing you have not contracted the virus; or if you have, there are post-exposure prophylaxis treatments the medical experts can recommend to you.
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