Understanding STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) - Symptoms, Causes & Treatments

10 Crucial HIV Symptoms Often Missed By Patients

HIV is often surrounded by stigma, misinformation and silence. As a result, many people are unaware of the crucial symptoms that accompany it, leading to missed opportunities for early diagnosis and treatment. This lack of awareness can have devastating effects on the immune system and general health.

By identifying HIV symptoms early on, patients have the chance to receive timely medical support, slow down the virus's progression and significantly improve their quality of life. This article highlights 10 crucial HIV symptoms that are frequently overlooked. Identifying these symptoms could make all the difference for yourself or someone you know. Here's what you need to know about these early signs and how they can often be mistaken for other conditions.

Fever and night sweats

One of the earliest symptoms that individuals may experience after contracting HIV is a low-grade fever, often accompanied by night sweats. Fevers are the body's natural response to infections, and they are one of the most missed signs of HIV. Because fever can also result from various other conditions — such as the common flu or even stress — patients often dismiss this as a minor illness.

Subtle yet persistent

The fever associated with early HIV can range from 99 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit and may come and go. Night sweats are particularly intense, often drenching clothes and bedsheets, causing sleep disturbances. If someone is experiencing persistent fever and night sweats without any obvious cause, it's essential to get tested and seek medical advice promptly.

Fatigue and general weakness

Fatigue is another overlooked symptom that patients tend to misinterpret as overwork or stress. In the early stages of HIV, the body's immune system works overtime to fight the virus, which can lead to extreme tiredness and feelings of weakness.

Beyond tiredness

This isn't the typical tiredness that one experiences after a long day. It's the kind of deep fatigue that makes daily activities feel like monumental tasks. Many brush it off as exhaustion from a busy lifestyle, but it may indicate that the body is under attack from the virus.

Swollen lymph nodes

Lymph nodes are part of the body's immune system, and they act as filters, trapping viruses and bacteria. When the body is fighting off infections like HIV, these nodes can become swollen and tender, especially in areas like the neck, underarms and groin.

A common sign that's easily ignored

Because swollen lymph nodes can be caused by many other infections and health conditions, they are often dismissed as being due to a cold or other minor illness. However, if the swelling persists for weeks without a clear cause, it is a sign that should not be ignored.

Skin rashes and lesions

Skin issues are a common symptom in the early stages of HIV. These can manifest as red, flat or raised rashes, often itchy, and they can appear anywhere on the body. Lesions, which may look like small sores, can also occur on the skin, mouth or genital area.

Not your average rash

While rashes are quite common and can result from allergic reactions or other irritants, those associated with HIV are persistent, may not respond to standard treatments and can recur. If unusual or unexplained rashes appear and don't fade quickly, seeking medical evaluation is vital.

Muscle and joint pain

HIV often causes musculoskeletal issues, including muscle aches and joint pain. This symptom is commonly confused with arthritis, the flu or simply aging. The pain may come and go and can be mild to severe.

Joint and muscle pain in young adults

This pain is not confined to older adults — young, otherwise healthy individuals may also experience it. If the pain seems disproportionate to any physical activity or doesn't go away with rest, it might be worth discussing it with a health care provider.

Sore throat and mouth ulcers

A sore throat and painful ulcers in the mouth and esophagus are common symptoms of early HIV. While a sore throat is easy to mistake for a common cold or a mild viral infection, in the case of HIV, it tends to last longer and is often accompanied by other symptoms.

Prolonged and painful

If the sore throat persists beyond the usual duration of a viral infection, or if there are recurring ulcers in the mouth, these symptoms could be a red flag for an underlying immune issue like HIV.

Unintentional weight loss

Rapid weight loss without trying can be a symptom of HIV, often known as "wasting syndrome." This can occur in both the early and later stages of the virus.

When weight loss becomes concerning

It is often one of the more noticeable signs because it may involve losing up to 10% of body weight, accompanied by diarrhea, fatigue or fever. If someone is shedding pounds rapidly without dieting or changing their exercise routine, it's time to consult a health care professional.

Diarrhea and digestive issues

Gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea, nausea and vomiting are common in HIV patients. These symptoms are often overlooked as they can stem from food intolerances, infections or even stress.

Beyond the usual upset stomach

For HIV patients, digestive symptoms can persist for long periods or become recurrent. Over-the-counter medication may not always provide relief, and if these issues linger for more than a week, a deeper medical evaluation is recommended.

Headaches and neurological issues

Frequent headaches or migraines, along with neurological symptoms such as dizziness, confusion or tingling sensations, may be linked to HIV. The virus can impact the nervous system, leading to these often-dismissed symptoms.

When to seek help

While headaches are a common occurrence and can be due to multiple factors like dehydration or lack of sleep, recurring or persistent neurological symptoms combined with other signs warrant a closer look from a health care provider.

Opportunistic infections and frequent illness

One of the clearest signs of a compromised immune system is frequent illness. Individuals with HIV are more susceptible to opportunistic infections, like pneumonia, tuberculosis and fungal infections, which wouldn't typically affect a person with a healthy immune system.

The immune system under siege

If someone is falling ill more often than usual or struggles to recover from common illnesses, it could point to a weakened immune response. These recurring infections are a major indicator that the body's defenses are not functioning properly, which is a hallmark of HIV.

Early detection can save lives

HIV is a virus that thrives on being overlooked, and these 10 symptoms are frequently missed or attributed to less serious conditions. Early detection is vital because it allows individuals to begin antiretroviral treatment as soon as possible, dramatically improving their quality of life and reducing the risk of transmission. If you or someone you know is experiencing any combination of these symptoms, especially if they are persistent and unexplained, seeking medical advice and getting tested is crucial.

By paying attention to these early warning signs and promoting awareness, we can break down the barriers of silence surrounding HIV and encourage proactive health care. Remember, knowledge is power, and in the case of HIV, it can also be the difference between life and death.

This story was created using AI technology.

Signs And Symptoms Of HIV In Women

Early on, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes flu-like symptoms, which are similar across sexes. HIV symptoms in women may differ after the initial infection and include changes in menstrual cycles and increased vaginal infections.

HIV is an infection that attacks cells in your immune system, known as CD4 cells. If untreated, HIV may progress to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), which increases the risk of severe infections.

Women may experience unique symptoms of HIV. Read on to learn about how HIV affects women, special considerations for women with HIV, and when to consult a healthcare provider.

Generally, people with HIV do not have symptoms right away. It may take 10 years or longer for people with HIV to notice symptoms or complications. HIV symptoms progress in stages: acute and chronic HIV. Chronic HIV may progress into AIDS if untreated. Acute HIV symptoms develop within two to four weeks after HIV exposure. During this stage, HIV quickly multiplies and spreads throughout the body. Within two to four weeks after exposure, about two-thirds of people with HIV have flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, and fatigue. Those symptoms are your body's natural response to infection. Other acute HIV symptoms include: Mouth ulcers Muscle aches Night sweats Rash Sore throat Swollen lymph nodes Chronic HIV is also known as asymptomatic HIV infection. It's possible for people not to have any symptoms or feel sick. Severe HIV complications, such as a weak immune system, take years to develop. With chronic HIV, HIV continues to multiply but at lower levels. Chronic HIV can last about 10 years before progressing to AIDS if untreated. People with HIV develop AIDS if their CD4 counts fall below a certain level. AIDS increases the risk of opportunistic infections, those that happen more often or severely in people with weak immune systems than others. In addition to opportunistic infections, AIDS symptoms include: Anal, genital, or mouth sores Blotches on the skin Depression Diarrhea Memory loss or other neurological problems Pneumonia Rapid unintentional weight loss Reoccuring fevers Swollen lymph nodes On average, people with AIDS survive for three years without treatment. However, people with AIDS who receive antiretroviral therapy (HAART) can live for more than 10 years after onset. Several HIV-related health changes during chronic HIV infection are specific to women. It's possible not to experience any complications for quite some time. Still, they can eventually develop. Bone Loss People with HIV, especially women with HIV, experience faster bone loss than others without HIV. Generally, women tend to lose bone faster than men because of the hormonal changes after menopause. Having HIV can affect women's bone loss more so than usual. Early Menopause Menopause happens when you do not have a menstrual period for at least 12 months. In the United States, the average age for menopause is 52. People with HIV tend to enter menopause earlier than that. You may notice various changes, including the onset of hot flashes, during the time leading up to menopause. A hot flash causes sudden heat in the upper part or all of your body. The sensation can last anywhere from 30 seconds to 10 minutes and can happen at varying frequencies. Typically, people with HIV have more severe hot flashes than those without the virus. Menstrual Cycle Changes You may notice changes to your menstrual cycle if you have HIV. For example, people with HIV might miss their periods. They might also have lighter or heavier bleeding than before having HIV. People with HIV are more likely to have severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms than others, such as: Backache Bloating or a gassy feeling Changes in appetite Constipation Cramps Diarrhea Headache Irritability Sleeping too little or too much Swollen or tender breasts In the United States, about 2% of transgender people make up new HIV diagnoses. Social and medical factors may affect symptoms in transgender women with HIV. Transgender women may face several obstacles in receiving proper healthcare compared to people with different gender identities. For example, transgender women may experience discrimination in healthcare settings, such as being called by the incorrect name or pronouns. Some evidence suggests that transgender women with HIV may have concerns over interactions between HIV medicines and gender-affirming treatments. Research has found that transgender women may develop more severe bone loss and have a higher risk of heart disease than others with HIV. As a result, transgender women with HIV are less likely to take HIV medicine than others. Recognizing those obstacles and taking steps to reduce them may help improve outcomes among transgender women with HIV. For example, experts advise healthcare providers to consider gender-affirming healthcare history (e.G., past hormone use or surgery) and adjust HIV medicines accordingly. HIV attacks and weakens the immune system. As a result, women with HIV have a higher risk than others of developing health conditions, such as: Cervical cancer: This cancer begins in the cervix, or the lowermost part of the uterus. Certain strains of human papillomavirus (HPV) are among the most common causes of cervical cancer. Women with HIV are more likely to have HPV than others. People with low CD4 counts are more likely to have abnormal cells in their cervix that may develop into cancer. Flu: People with low CD4 counts or those not taking HIV medicine are more likely to have complications from the flu than others. One of the most common flu complications is pneumonia. Heart disease: This is a group of conditions that affect your heart. Heart disease occurs when fatty substances build up in your arteries that carry blood to your heart. Certain HIV medicines may increase heart disease risk. Eating a healthy diet, regularly exercising, and not smoking help prevent heart disease. Hepatitis: This is an infection of the liver. Experts advise people with HIV to receive vaccines that prevent hepatitis A and B and regular tests for hepatitis B and C. Kidney disease: HIV may infect your kidney cells. As a result, HIV—as well as some HIV medicines—may damage the filters, or nephrons, in your kidneys that produce urine and remove waste. Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP): Normally, your body keeps a balance of "bad" and "good" germs in your body. One of those "bad" germs is Pneumocystis jirovecii, a fungus. That fungus may grow out of control in people with weak immune systems, like those with HIV. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): These infections spread through sexual contact. Some people with HIV are at risk for certain STIs, like herpes and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). STIs may cause more severe symptoms and be harder to treat in people with HIV than others. Vaginal yeast infections: These infections happen when a fungus, Candida albicans, overgrows in the vagina. Candida overgrowth may occur if you have an illness that weakens your immune system, such as HIV. Vaginal yeast infections that happen at least four times a year are most common among people with chronic HIV. Pregnant or breastfeeding people and those taking HIV medication may be at risk for potential complications.  Transmission to Children HIV can pass from mother to child during pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding. Still, people with HIV can have healthy pregnancies. The risk of passing HIV to an infant is less than 1% if you take precautions. A healthcare provider will likely advise the following precautions: Getting tested for HIV if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant: A healthcare provider may advise testing again during your third trimester if you are HIV-negative but at risk of contracting the virus. Taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP): This medicine can help prevent HIV if you test negative for the virus but are at risk of contracting it. Using HIV medicine: This helps keep HIV at undetectable levels in your body. You may be able to deliver vaginally if your HIV levels are low. HIV medicine also prevents the virus from spreading through breast milk.  Pregnant people with HIV—and their children once they are born—need to take HIV medicine to reduce the risk of transmission. HIV Medicine Complications People with HIV can take antiretroviral therapy (ART) to bring and keep HIV at undetectable levels. ART allows people to live with few complications and minimal risk of passing HIV to others. Generally, women taking ART may have different—sometimes more severe—side effects from HIV medicines. Certain HIV medicines may cause nausea, rashes, and vomiting at higher rates in women than others. Some HIV medicines can interact with hormonal birth control and increase the risk of unintended pregnancy. You can use any form of birth control if you have HIV. Still, you might need a secondary form of protection if you typically use hormonal methods like implants, pills, or shots. Talk with a healthcare provider about the best birth control option if you take ART. Consult a healthcare provider or go to a clinic to receive a blood test if you suspect that you have had exposure to HIV and have flu-like symptoms. Any number of illnesses may cause those early symptoms and do not necessarily mean you have HIV. Still, the only way to know for sure is a blood test. Some people with HIV never develop early symptoms. A blood test is essential if you think you have had exposure to HIV and do not have flu-like systems.   Early diagnosis is vital for HIV. The sooner you receive a blood test and diagnosis, the sooner you can start treatment to bring and keep HIV at undetectable levels. Staying in close contact with healthcare providers is essential. HIV puts you at an increased risk of complications from infections. Talk to a healthcare provider about what to do if there is a change in your health, such as if you get the flu. Practicing safer sex, sometimes called "safe sex," can help prevent spreading STIs. The only way to completely prevent the spreading of STIs is to abstain from all forms of sex. However, ways to have safer sex include: Using a barrier, such as condoms, internal condoms, dental dams, and/or latex or nitrile gloves when you have any form of sex, including when using sex toys Getting regular STI testing Washing your hands before and after touching your or your partner's genitals Washing sex toys with soap and water before and after use—you can also use condoms on sex toys Using alcohol or other substances responsibly—drinking or getting high can lower your decision-making ability and could lead to forgetting to use barriers, using condoms incorrectly, or not practicing good hygiene Women with HIV may notice early menopause, menstrual cycle changes, and more frequent vaginal infections than average. HIV may impact bone loss and cervical cancer risk.  Consult a healthcare provider if you think you have had exposure to HIV. A blood test is the only way to know if you have HIV. The sooner you know you have HIV, the sooner you can begin treatment to bring and keep HIV at undetectable levels.

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Why A Fortunate Few Don't Get Ill After HIV Infection

Some people infected with HIV are teeming with virus, but don't get sick. Their resistive powers probably come from a mix of genetics and unique immune responses, according to a study of such rare individuals.

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Nature 634, 1021 (2024)

doi: https://doi.Org/10.1038/d41586-024-03380-8

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