10 Early Signs and Symptoms of HIV that You Must Know

Charlie Sheen broke the news to the world, that he is a HIV-positive in an exclusive interview with American television, and people sat up and listened.

More than 1.2 million people are currently HIV-infected in the U.S., and as many as 12.8 percent (1 in 8 people) remain unaware of their infection. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

AIDS is a deadly disease that severely undermines the immune system to the point of failure, leaving it unable to fight fatal infections and cancers. HIV poses the threat of progressing to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), If not medically treated

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HIV is most commonly transmitted through semen, vaginal discharge and blood. The most common ways the HIV virus may enter your body are through high-risk sexual behavior and exposure through injection or infusion.

Early identification of common symptoms and get proper medical treatment, the better your chances of survival and a healthy lifestyle, it is possible to lead a long and productive life. Symptoms of an HIV infection may start presenting themselves 2 to 6 weeks after it is contracted.

Here are 10 early sign and symptoms of HIV that you must know.

1. Fever

The most common primary signs of an HIV infections is fever. The fever during the initial HIV stage is likely to be recurrent and can last for 2 to 4 weeks at a time.

2. Night Sweats

If you are experiencing severe night sweats, and you have recently engaged in any of the previously described high-risk behaviors, you should see a doctor.

3. Sore Throat

A sore throat is another common symptom of early HIV. It is highly likely to accompany a fever in HIV-positive patients. You may experience pain swallowing food and water as well as your own saliva. Your sore throat may last up to 2 weeks at a stretch and may be accompanied by mouth ulcers.

4. Swollen Lymph Nodes

The immune system cells are spread throughout the body. One of their pathways is the lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are found in the neck, under the armpits and in the groin area.  HIV attacks and weaken the immune system, so the lymph nodes would become affected. If Lymph nodes are painful and tender to the touch and this lasts for 2 to 4 weeks.

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5. Rashes and Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis on the scalp, face and chest, is one of the earliest symptoms of HIV, according to a 2008 study published in Acta Dermatovenerol Croatia.

6. Muscle aches

The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons published a 2002 study that muscular problems are often one of the initial symptoms of HIV. The muscle and joint pain may manifest itself in the form of moderate to severe pain in two or more joints that lasts between 2 and 24 hours. These type of pains intensify as the disease progresses.

7. Fatigue

Fatigue from HIV can be described as a lack of energy and feeling of exhaustion that is not cured with a good night’s sleep. It may be constant and occur without any physical exertion.

The Journal of Clinical Nursing published a 2006 study that 15 patients recently diagnosed with HIV identified fatigue as a perpetual hindrance in their daily lives.The study note that fatigue was a widely ignored symptom of HIV.Fatigue may also induce depression and anxiety.

8. Headaches

Headaches are the most common and persistent form of pain experienced by those infected with HIV patients. These headaches can be quite severe. Primary headaches are recurrent and not associated with any underlying illness. They may signify that HIV is in its initial stage.

Secondary headaches such as sinus or headaches from meningitis are associated with other illnesses, often occur in the later stages of HIV. According to a 2000 study published in the journal Pain found of 131 patients who had HIV, 45.8  had tension headaches, 16 percent reported migraines and the rest reported some other type of headaches.

9. Nausea & Vomiting

These are two of the most common symptoms of HIV, according to a 2008 study published in the International Journal of STD & AIDS. The infection compromised the immune system.

10. Diarrhea

A common symptom of early HIV, diarrhea severely damages the quality of life of the patient and interferes with his or her routine activities, when the immune system is weak.

Source: top10homeremedies

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