Human immunodeficiency virus or HIV is a virus that causes HIV infection, which may eventually lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or AIDS.
HIV has always been a frightening and unwanted condition. But nowadays, with the help of science and awareness, this is now manageable. With proper care, the infection can only affect how you feel and live minimally. HIV treatments do well on most people, allowing them to avoid many symptoms and illnesses that are associated with HIV infection.
However, there are still a lot of people who are high at risk of serious health problems due to HIV, especially those who are already at the advanced stages of the condition. But according to statistics, one out of five people don’t even know they have HIV. This is why it is important you have knowledge about the symptoms you may have been ignoring all along:
#1: Rashes and Sores
Whether you’re aware or not, skin rashes are the most common symptoms of HIV. People with the infection have extremely sensitive skin, causing them to be irritated almost immediately by sunlight and other irritants. Sores and lesions may also appear around the mouth, anus, and genitals. Often, these skin problems are difficult to treat, but there are medicines that can help them become less severe.
#2: Sweating and Fever at Night
If you frequently have fevers and night sweats, you probably have HIV infection. Low-grade fever denotes that there is something wrong with your body. Many people tend to ignore this symptom even when it is accompanied by nighttime sweats.
#3: Swollen Glands
If you have swollen lymph nodes, including the back of your head, groin, armpits, and neck, you may have HIV, particularly if the swelling lasts for several months.
#4: Thrush
Also known as oral yeast infection, a thrush which can occur in the mouth or the throat is an early sign of HIV infection.
#5: Unexplained Weight Loss
Get an HIV test as soon as you discover that you are losing weight without a reason.
#6: Prolonged Diarrhea
If your diarrhea lasts for more than two weeks, you should get yourself checked for the disease. Oftentimes, people who experience this symptom are also nauseous and may also vomit.
Many people ignore the symptoms mentioned above as signs of HIV infection. If you don’t know why you suddenly have achy muscles, swollen glands, flu, and other symptoms given, visit a doctor just to be sure.