HIV/AIDS Symptoms

AIDS is one of the most dangerous diseases in the world today. Although it was a rare disease a couple of decades back, today AIDS is a pandemic and one of the most prominent reasons for death all over the world. HIV AIDS symptoms vary from person to person as the duration of progression of the disease is also found to vary among individuals. Before taking a look at the signs and symptoms, let us know about the condition in detail.

What is HIV / AIDS

The ratio of people suffering from HIV / AIDS in Africa is larger than in other parts of the world. However, as mentioned above, AIDS is found in all parts of the world today. HIV stands for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus; while AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. HIV, as the name suggests, is the virus that leads to HIV infection, which can later progress to AIDS. HIV destroys the CD4 cells found in the body that are responsible for fighting off infections and diseases. When the count of CD4 cells drops below 200, HIV infection progresses to AIDS. The virus affects the immune system, weakening it so much that the person becomes prone to all opportunistic infections. HIV infection can occur by having unsafe sex with multiple partners, by blood transfusion using shared or contaminated devices, by transmission of bodily fluids like semen and vaginal fluid from the infected person to others, and from mother to child during birth or breastfeeding. AIDS does not transmit through kissing, shaking hands, hugging or even due to insect bites.

Symptoms of HIV / AIDS

Symptoms of HIV AIDS differ according to stage of the infection. The symptoms of the HIV infection appear a couple of weeks after one contracts the infection. Similarly if the earlier symptoms are ignored and not treated, it can lead to AIDS. However, note that the time period for progression of AIDS is even as long as 8-10 years. The following are the early as well as the later symptoms of HIV infection in men and women:

Early Symptoms of HIV Infection

• Fever
• Headache
• Weight loss
• Sore throat
• Swollen lymph glands
• HIV rash
• Diarrhea
• Tiredness
• Nausea

Symptoms of AIDS

• Lack of energy
• Severe weight loss
• Frequent fever
• Night sweats
• White spots in mouth and tongue
• Frequent yeast infections
• Persistent skin rash
• Short-term memory loss
• Mouth or genital sores
• Dry cough
• Pneumonia
• Depression
• Red blotches on skin
• Prolonged fatigue
• Chronic diarrhea
• Distorted vision
• Shortness of breath

If you take a look at the earlier symptoms of HIV infection, you will find that they appear similar to flu and hence, are often ignored or not considered seriously. These symptoms may also disappear after specific time and the later stage symptoms will appear after a long time. However, one should remember that although no symptoms are observed, the infection can pass from the infected person to other. Therefore, it is essential to get the condition diagnosed quickly.

HIV / AIDS Treatment and Prevention

Unfortunately, there is still no treatment or cure for AIDS. But there are medications available that help in slowing down the progression of HIV infection to AIDS. Drugs such as Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, Protease inhibitors, help in blocking the virus. AIDS medications are prescribed in combination, in order to prevent the stains from being immune to the drugs. Along with the medication, people are also advised to follow a healthy lifestyle to increase immunity and decrease the risks of infections. Immunization through vaccination is also recommended for HIV patients. When talking about preventive measures, practicing safe sex is the best way to prevent AIDS. Similarly, one should take care that sterile devices are used for injections or blood transfusion. Women suffering from AIDS should avoid pregnancy, or look for medical treatment to prevent transmitting the infection to the baby.

Lastly, we can sum up by saying that identifying HIV / AIDS symptoms at an early stage can help in slowing down the advancement of this disease. Similarly, support and care of near and dear ones can also help the person in coping up with the condition to a great extent. Take care!