First Symptoms of HIV and AIDS

The symptoms of HIV are quite difficult to identify and, therefore, the best way to confirm whether or not a person was infected with the human immunodeficiency virus is to be tested for HIV, especially if some risky behavior has occurred, such as having had sex without the use of a condom or having shared syringes.

In some people the first symptoms arise a few weeks after infection with the HIV virus, and resemble those of the flu, disappearing spontaneously. However, the fact that the symptoms have disappeared does not mean that the virus has been eliminated from the organism, but rather continuing "numbed" in the organism. So if the virus is not diagnosed in time and proper treatment is not started, after approximately 10 years the symptoms of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) may arise.

Therefore, it is important to be tested for HIV after a risky situation or behavior, so that the presence of the virus is identified or not and treatment is indicated if necessary. See more about the HIV test and when it should be done.

First Symptoms of HIV

The first symptoms of HIV infection arise about 2 to 4 weeks after contact with the virus and may be similar to those of the flu. These symptoms may include:

• Headache;
• Low fever;
• Shaking chills
• Excessive tiredness;
• Swollen glands;
• Sore throat;
• Joint pain;
• Canker sores in the mouth;
• Night sweats;
• Diarrhea.

However, in some people, the symptoms of HIV infection may not cause any signs or symptoms, and this asymptomatic phase may last up to 10 years or more. The fact that there are no signs or symptoms does not mean that the virus has been eliminated from the body, during this period the virus continues to develop silently in the body, affecting the functioning of the immune system & eventually developing AIDS.

It is important that HIV is diagnosed at an early stage because the virus is still in low concentration in the body, making it easier to control its development with the use of certain medications. In addition to this, early diagnosis also prevents the virus from being transmitted to other people, since from that moment you should not have sexual relations without a condom.

Main Symptoms of AIDS

AIDS is the most advanced phase of HIV infection, so after about 10 years or more without having presented any type of symptoms HIV can evolve to human immunodeficiency syndrome, a period in which the immune system has been progressively weakened. When this occurs, symptoms such as:

• Persistent high fever;
• Persistent cough;
• Frequent night sweats;
• Edema of the lymph nodes for more than 3 months;
• Headache;
• Pain in the whole body;
• Easy tiredness;
• Rapid weight loss;
• White spots on the tongue and mouth which is associated with frequent oral candidiasis;
• Diarrhea for more than 1 month;
• Reddish spots or small skin rashes scientifically called Kaposi's sarcoma.

In this phase, it is also common for the person to suffer from frequent infections such as tonsillitis, candidiasis, and even pneumonia and, therefore, the doctor can think about the diagnosis of HIV, mainly when many infections arise repeatedly.

When AIDS has already developed, it is much more difficult to try to control the progression of the disease with medications and, therefore, many patients with the syndrome end up being hospitalized to avoid and treat the infections that arise.

How HIV / AIDS Treatment is Performed

HIV treatment is done with the use of antiretroviral drugs that are usually offered free of charge by the government. Some of the medications used are Etravirine, Tipranavir, Tenofovir, Lamivudine, Efavirenz, in addition to others that can be combined according to the protocol to follow.

These medications prevent the virus from multiplying and reduce the concentration of the virus in the body, increasing the quantity and quality of the individual's defense cells thus preventing HIV from evolving into AIDS.

This antiretroviral treatment does not cure HIV infection, but its use prolongs the life of individuals and decreases the risk of virus transmission. For the medications to have the expected effect, it is necessary for the individual to correctly follow the doctor's guidelines and use a condom in all relationships, to avoid transmitting the virus to other people and help control the disease epidemic. Learn more about  HIV / AIDS Treatment.

Condom use is important even in sexual relationships with couples already infected with the HIV virus. This care is important, as there are several types of HIV virus and couples could be infected again, but with a different type of virus, making it difficult to treat the disease.

What is HIV / AIDS?

AIDS is a disease caused by the HIV virus that for a period of 10 years or more gradually weakens the immune system, leaving the individual weak and prone to opportunistic diseases that would be easily treated for a person with the normal immune system.

After the virus enters the body the defense cells try to prevent its action and, when it seems that they will achieve it, the virus changes in a way forcing the body to produce new defense cells capable of blocking it, which is why this becomes a "vicious circle" and the body fails to eliminate it.

When there is a smaller amount of HIV virus in the body and a good amount of defense cells, the individual remains in the asymptomatic phase of the disease, which can last for many years. However, when the amount of virus in the body is much greater than its defense cells, the main symptoms of AIDS begin to arise, since the body is more weakened and fails to fight diseases that would be easily resolved.

Therefore, the best way to treat HIV / AIDS is to avoid becoming infected with the virus again through risky behaviors and, in addition to this, the individual must correctly take the antiretroviral medications indicated by the doctor.  Learn how HIV / AIDS is spread.