Signs and Symptoms Of HIV in Men & Women? | Metropolis TruHealth Blog
5 RARE Symptoms Of HIV & How To Beat Them!
If you or someone you know has HIV, you're probably well aware of the problems it can cause. From the flu-like conditions of the acute stage to the infections of the chronic stage and the serious immune problems of AIDS, the progression of HIV comes with more than its fair share of struggles and challenges.
Fortunately, with a comprehensive lifestyle approach, proper medication, and a positive attitude, many people with the condition are living happy, healthy lives.
But did you know that other issues may crop up? Some that aren't as common as the symptoms we've come to understand?
If you aren't familiar with some of the rare symptoms and conditions of HIV, now's the time to get informed.
Here are five rare issues of HIV, and what you can do to beat them!
1. LipodystrophyA condition where your body fat is abnormally distributed, lipodystrophy can cause significant changes in your appearance. This can lead to fat loss on the face, as well as in your appendages, your abdomen, your breasts, and even the back of the neck.
If you start noticing a hollowed sunken look in some parts of your body and a bloated, protruding look in other parts, it may be lipodystrophy. Your best bet to defeating this condition is through antiretroviral therapy (ART). Getting consistent exercise and eating better are also obviously important. In some cases, cosmetic surgery may be effective. This could include things like fillers and liposuction.
2. HIV-Associated Nephropathy (HIVAN)Nephropathy means damage or disease of the kidneys. So, HIVAN is just damage/disease brought on by unregulated challenges from HIV. You will typically notice this disease through swelling of your feet, ankles, and legs. Your bathroom habits may also change. For instance, you may urinate less and when you do urinate it may come out foamy.
There are various ways to overcome HIVAN. Firstly, you should get regular kidney function tests. As with lipodystrophy, antiretroviral therapy (ART) is also useful, helping to prevent HIVAN from ever developing. Meds such as ACE inhibitors and 'receptor blockers' are also effective, so be sure to ask your healthcare team about those.
As for lifestyle modifications, consider things like lowering your blood pressure, eating better, and taking supplements for your kidneys, such as CoQ10, Omega-3s, B vitamins, and probiotics.
RELATED: 13 HIV Symptoms that Look Like Something Else
3. Bacillary AngiomatosisA bacterial infection, bacillary angiomatosis typically leads to skin lesions and full-body or systemic symptoms. The good news is, it's more common in those HIV patients with severely compromised immune systems. If you're infected, you'll notice raised and red lesions, general fatigue, swelling of the lymph nodes, and fever.
The best way to beat this is by using antibiotics like the widely prescribed doxycycline or erythromycin. As with all of these conditions, antiretroviral therapy (ART) is of course another important piece of the treatment puzzle. You should also do your own at-home checks, noting any changes in your skin appearance and health.
4. Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML)A long, complicated name, PML is basically a rare and frequently fatal infection of the brain (not good!).
Then again, there is good news. Unless you have a very compromised immune system, the JC virus responsible for this condition won't give you trouble. People with advanced HIV/AIDS, however, need to be careful.
When suffering from PML, you'll typically experience weakness on one side of your body, trouble with speech comprehension, problems with your vision, and potentially significant cognitive deficits.
Because PML is a late-game condition, there are no specific treatment protocols. That said, you can regularly monitor your neurological activity, boost your immune system with antiretroviral therapy, and consult your doctor to manage any symptoms.
5. ThrombocytopeniaThrombocytopenia is a condition where you lack platelets, meaning you can bruise and bleed quite easily. A simple bump or hard contact can become a problem. You may also notice little red spots beneath your skin (petechiae) as well as blood from your nose and gums. Aside from continuing to use antiretroviral therapy, you should employ steroids or something called immune globulin, which can help your body produce more platelets.
Also, try to limit the use of any blood-thinning medications and conduct regular blood tests, as these can help you keep your condition at bay.
As you can see with these five conditions, living with HIV poses many unique challenges. However, with a proactive approach, the right healthcare team, and targeted treatments, you can conquer this thing day by day!
What Does An HIV Rash Look Like?
A rash can be an early symptom of HIV, but HIV can also increase the risk of developing different types of rashes. The rash may be discolored and include mild itchiness.
People who develop a rash and believe they may have had exposure to HIV should seek medical advice. If an HIV infection is present, treatment can help manage it effectively.
HIV transmits from one person to another when bodily fluids come into contact with each other. These include blood, semen, rectal and vaginal fluids, and breast milk.
Exposure to HIV can happen if a person has sex or shares needles with someone who has the virus.
In this article, find out what an HIV rash looks like, what causes rashes linked to HIV, and what to do if they happen.
The following images here show some ways in which HIV may affect the skin.
No single rash is specific to HIV. As HIV involves changes in the immune system, it can trigger a variety of skin reactions.
However, the rash that occurs at the early stage usually appears flushed, discolored, or reddish in people with fair skin, or dark purplish in people with dark skin. The blemishes are flat, and there may be mild itchiness.
A rash can be an early sign of HIV, occurring as a result of seroconversion. This is the acute, or early stage, of HIV, which usually occurs 2–4 weeks after exposure to the virus.
During the seroconversion or acute HIV stage, the body produces antibodies to the virus. Between 50-90% of all people with HIV experience flu-like symptoms at this stage, and some people may develop a rash.
Sometimes, a rash is the only symptom of HIV, but because HIV impacts the immune system, there are often other symptoms, too.
Early symptoms of an HIV infection that can occur alongside a rash include:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these symptoms may appear 2–4 weeks after exposure and last between a few days and several weeks.
Anyone who experiences these symptoms after possible exposure to HIV should seek advice about testing.
If a rash occurs as a symptom of the acute stage of HIV, it will usually go away as the immune system produces antibodies to HIV.
After this, however, if a person is not taking medications to control HIV, they may have a higher chance of developing further rashes and skin problems. This is because HIV leads to a weakened immune system.
When the immune system is compromised, it becomes easier for viruses, fungi, bacteria, parasites, and other causes to trigger a rash.
Conditions that may appear with skin symptoms include:
In some cases, treatment for HIV can trigger an allergic skin reaction.
A rash that appears during seroconversion will usually disappear without intervention, but other types of rash may occur later.
HIV-related rashes vary greatly. The chance of developing a rash will depend on factors such as:
In time, other rashes can develop due to conditions, such as herpes and psoriasis. People with these conditions have symptoms that often improve or disappear for a while but then return.
The severity of each outbreak varies but depends partly on the immune function. Some medications, such as antiviral drugs for herpes, can reduce the severity of each outbreak.
Learn more about how psoriasis and HIV are related.
Acute skin conditionsRashes that result from an infection will go away with appropriate treatment.
However, due to HIV's impact on the immune system, infections can become more likely. A previous rash may return, or a new one may appear.
Medication-related rashesDrugs for treating HIV can sometimes trigger a rash. Anyone who believes they have a rash due to their medication should speak to a member of their healthcare team. It is often possible to switch to another drug.
It is essential to speak to a doctor before changing or discontinuing treatment.
Taking antiviral medication keeps viral levels low and reduces HIV's impact on the immune system. Many people can now live a healthy life with HIV, but it is essential to follow the treatment plan.
Learn more here about living with HIV.
Prompt testing and early treatment are effective at stopping the progress of HIV, and early treatment for a rash can help prevent complications.
TestingAnyone who develops a rash or flu-like symptoms should seek medical advice if they think they have come into contact with HIV.
They can undergo a test for HIV. If the result is positive, a healthcare team can help them develop a treatment plan that will help them stay healthy.
With current medication, it is possible to reduce the level of virus in the body to undetectable levels. The risk of diseases and infections falls, and a person cannot transmit HIV to another person. In other words, undetectable = untransmittable.
The CDC provides a locator to help people locate HIV testing services in their area.
Rash treatmentPeople who already have a diagnosis of HIV should see a doctor if a new rash develops or an existing rash gets worse.
Emergency medical attention may be necessary if:
Drug reactionsIn rare cases, HIV medications can trigger a serious hypersensitivity reaction known as Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
Symptoms include:
If anyone experiences these symptoms or other symptoms that may indicate a hypersensitivity or allergy — such as dizziness and breathing difficulty — they should seek urgent medical attention.
How to identify HIV rash?An HIV rash typically emerges during the acute phase of infection and may be itchy, painful, and accompanied by flu-like symptoms such as fever and swollen lymph nodes.
It usually appears flushed, discolored, or reddish in people with fair skin, or dark purplish in people with dark skin.
However, the presence of a rash alone does not provide a definitive diagnosis of HIV. Early testing is crucial for prompt management if HIV infection is confirmed.
What can be mistaken for HIV?HIV can be mistaken for the following:
Where do HIV lesions first appear?Generally speaking, HIV lesions can appear on the face, chest, abdomen, arms, and legs.
What does your skin look like when you have HIV?Skin appearance in people with HIV varies widely, with no specific indicator unique to the virus.
Some may develop rashes during acute infection, while others might experience opportunistic infections like fungal, bacterial, or viral skin conditions due to a weakened immune system. Drug reactions and skin disorders are also possible.
Consulting a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and testing is crucial if a person is concerned about skin health or HIV status.
The rash that appears in the early stage of HIV typically manifests as flushed, discolored, or reddish in individuals with fair skin, and dark purplish in those with dark skin.
A rash may also occur due to HIV medications or other infections.
Early testing and treatment for HIV can help a person live a healthy life and reduce the risk of developing HIV-associated infections and other conditions.
If anyone thinks they have come into contact with HIV, they should ask about a test, especially if they develop a rash and other symptoms within the following few weeks after exposure.
Read the article in Spanish.
Hollyoaks Star Bravely Reveals HIV Diagnosis As He Breaks Down In Tears And Says He Tested Positive Over 10 Years Ago
HOLLYOAKS star Peter McPherson has bravely revealed he is HIV positive.
Actor Peter, 40, broke down in tears during a hard-hitting discussion with Virgin Radio Pride, marking the first time he's spoken with a national outlet about living with the virus.
5
Hollyoaks star Peter McPherson has bravely revealed he is HIV positiveCredit: InstagramIn the interview, which has been exclusively shared with The Sun ahead of its 6pm broadcast today, the former soap star told presenter Graeme Smith that he's been positive for over 10 years.
Joined in the studio by his husband David Allwood, Peter - who formerly played Gareth on the Channel 4 soap - reflected on disclosing his diagnosis before they became sexually active.
Already living with HIV when they first met in 2013, he said: "We were in Singapore at the time and, because I was always told it's really important when you have a sexual partner that you tell them...
"When I was first diagnosed there was two camps, there was people on treatment straight away and then there was delayed treatment because they didn't know how it would affect in the long term.
"So, I was delayed but, yeah, I told you straight away and I was gobsmacked by David because he knew his stuff and he wasn't phased by it and that just put me at ease straight away."
David is on PrEP, a wonder drug that decreases the risk of developing HIV by roughly 99 percent, continuing to test negative after eleven years.
Peter, meanwhile, is currently on the HIV medication Delstrigo, which keeps infected blood cells at a low level and ensures he remains undetectable and untransmittable.
But, while he's found acceptance in the choreographer, he told Graeme of previous heartbreaking rejections as a result of the condition.
smoke break
Love Island's Samantha Kenny reveals which Islanders are secret smokers
swept away
Dramatic moment The One Show interview is halted as Stacey Dooley rushes off set
say goodbye
BBC News star stuns fans as they QUIT after two decades on screen
shock exit
Two Love Islanders axed from the villa in 'really savage' dumpingPeter said: "I went to college with someone and we always liked each other, never got together.
"Years after college, we actually went on a date and it went really well and I disclosed to him my status.
"And then, the next day, I got a message and just being like, 'Oh this is... I feel uncomfortable about it, it's not going to work.' And I was a bit like, 'Whoa!'
"That was the first time I'd ever really dealt with that kind of rejection in a sense."
The screen and stage star also faced hurtful messages from potential sexual partners he'd met on the dating app, Grindr.
He continued: "I've had messages, people saying things like, 'Such a shame you spoilt yourself, you've ruined yourself.'
"Luckily I'm quite strong willed and in a good place mentally, but that can be very damaging to someone who's not."
Later in the conversation, Peter shared his diagnosis experience, telling the host how he'd initially ended up in hospital with flu-like symptoms.
He explained: "My story was, I got really ill. And it's what they call seroconversion when your body takes on the virus. And I didn't know what it was.
"Some people get nothing. Some people get like a cold. Mine was like flu. And to the point where I was so sick, I ended in hospital.
"They did all these tests and they couldn't find anything. And they said, 'You know, you're a gay man. Have you been having unprotected sex?' And I said, 'Yes.'
"And they said, 'Okay, we've booked you into the sexual health clinic here in the hospital. We're going to check you out. Go straight there. They'll be expecting you and they'll do the test.'"
Feeling scared, Peter went home instead and soon travelled to his parents' house, where he Googled HIV synptoms.
Realising that he likely had the virus, he called a helpline and was advised to visit a clinic for a rapid test, which his father drove him to.
After testing positive, Peter broke the news to his parent, explaining through tears: "The first thing he said was, 'How long has he got left to live?'
"The lucky thing is that I was surrounded by medical professional people - the people who could explain, people who could tell him what was going to happen. They put him at ease.
"They were really, really great. Like, 'No, it doesn't, it's not like that anymore. You know, he's not going to die. He's going to live a long, healthy life.'
"And then we went to the hospital straight after, did more tests there. And then when I got home, I had to break the news to my mum.
"So in one way, I'm really fortunate that my parents and my family have always known from day one. I've never had to keep a secret from them.
"They've always, you know, supportive. Every time I get tested, like I got tested last week, got my results and I'm like, I'm still undetectable. My kidney and all this is, you know, great."
The symptoms of HIV and how to get tested
Most people infected with HIV experience a short, flu-like illness that occurs 2-6 weeks after infection.
After this, HIV may not cause any symptoms for several years.
It's estimated up to 80% of people who are infected with HIV experience this flu-like illness.
The most common symptoms are:
Other symptoms can include:
The only way to find out if you have HIV is to have an HIV test, seeing as symptoms may not appear for many years.
HIV testing is provided to anyone free of charge on the NHS.
You can go to:
You also have the option of using home testing kits you can use if you do not want to visit any of these places.
Source: NHS
Along with HIV expert Susan Cole, the couple are pushing for the UK to become free from the virus by 2030 with the administration of oral and injectable PrEP medications.
They stressed that the biggest challenge they face is members of the public being uninformed about the virus' facts and the stigma associated, still.
Peter added: "Lots of people in media and entertainment keep their HIV status very private.
"I can think of a handful of people that I know very personally who aren't planning to go public on their status."
On why he takes a different approach, he said: "It's how I am in my work as an actor. My thing is never to like hide behind a mask and a character.
"It's always to reveal and to be open and to be honest. And I've never got anything other than positivity back."
5
Peter broke down in tears during a hard-hitting discussion with Virgin Radio PrideCredit: Virgin Radio5
The actor and his husband David first met in 2013Credit: Instagram5
The couple are pictured with HIV expert Susan Cole and presenter Graeme SmithCredit: Virgin Radio5
He formerly played Gareth on the Channel 4 soapCredit: Lime Pictures
Comments
Post a Comment