Are some STIs not curable?
What Are Symptoms Of HIV In Men
HIV symptoms can vary but may include:
Flu-like symptoms: Fever, chills, sore throat, and fatigue within 2-4 weeks of infection.
Swollen lymph nodes: Particularly in the neck, armpits, or groin.
Skin rashes: Can appear on various parts of the body.
Weight loss: Unexplained and often rapid.
Night sweats: Profuse sweating during sleep.
Persistent fatigue: Feeling tired all the time despite adequate rest.
Oral thrush: White patches in the mouth or tongue.
Pneumonia: Recurrent respiratory infections.
Neurological symptoms: Memory loss, depression, or other cognitive issues.
Note: Many of these symptoms are non-specific and can be caused by other conditions. HIV can only be definitively diagnosed through testing.
HIV/AIDS
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a viral infection transmitted through the sexual route. Intravenous needle sharing, infected blood transfusions and transmission from mother to child during birth and breastfeeding can also cause HIV infection. The symptoms become manifest two to four weeks after HIV infection. Symptoms can also be delayed for as long as ten months. HIV causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and can cause complications. Treatment of HIV / AIDS comprises antiretroviral drugs and lifestyle management. The patient may suffer from opportunistic infections, which are usually fatal. Hence control of infection in an HIV positive patient is a crucial part.
TypesHIV is classified into two different types:
The stages and progression of HIV infection is as following:
Asymptomatic phase: HIV infection initial stages without any significant symptoms. However, changes in the immune system are noted. This phase can last up to 3 months. Primary infection to develop into HIV disease and immunosuppression takes many years.
Primary infection: The patient replicates the HIV in his bloodstream and lymph nodes in this phase of the disease.
Symptomatic stage: this is known as the late phase of HIV disease, also known as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. The patient is at risk of developing opportunistic infections such as tuberculosis, candidiasis during this phase of infection.
SymptomsPatients may remain asymptomatic initially after infection. Symptoms progress over two to three weeks after infection, the delay in symptoms for ten months has also been noted in many patients. Non-specific symptoms of HIV may occur during the Acute retroviral phase of the illness. Symptoms pointed out during this phase are as following-
Chronic HIV infection without AIDS
Following are the routes of acquiring HIV/AIDS infection:
The following measures can prevent the spread of HIV infection:
Screening test and confirmatory test are the mainstays for the diagnosis of HIV infection. A complete blood count is performed to assess thrombocytopenia, leukopenia or anaemia. CD4 cell count and viral load are also essential in the diagnosis of HIV infection. Differential diagnosis also plays a significant role in testing for HIV infection. For example, considering cardiovascular disorders, order cardiac biomarkers.
In the case of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, pneumonia is a significant complication. Planning of chest X-Ray may be valuable to detect pulmonary infiltrates. Arterial blood gases provide essential information about an HIV infected person. Tuberculosis testing should be done. Sputum cultures are necessary for detecting bacterial infections. Other diagnostic tests such as CT scan may be crucial if disseminated TB is a possible diagnosis, especially in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Individual with AIDS and decreased cd4 cell counts are at risk for pancreatitis and cholecystitis. Industries diagnostic tests such as bilirubin, transaminase and light base are functional.
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy is essential in patients with dysphagia. Diarrhoea is a common symptom in patients with AIDS. In these patients testing for bacteria, parasite, and ova should be performed. In severe refractory cases, colonoscopy is essential. Neurological complaints of HIV and AIDS should be detected using CT scan, CSF analysis, and lumbar puncture.
TreatmentAntiretroviral drugs: Antiretroviral drugs are the mainstay of treatment in HIV infected patients. Nucleoside/ nucleoid reverse transcriptase inhibitors in many combinations available. Along with this, CCR5 inhibitors and protease inhibitors are also used in the treatment of HIV infected patience.
Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is a vital part of HIV treatment.
Dolutegravir 50mg once or twice a day, Raltegravir 400mg tablet twice a day should be taken.
Protease Inhibitors
Prognosis
The progress of a patient suffering HIV with CD4 count greater than 500 lives a normal life compared to a person with a low CD4 level. Patients with AIDS who have untreated opportunistic infections have a low life expectancy.
Complications
A major complication to HIV is its progression to AIDS. It can be recognised when there is a low CD4 count with signs of opportunistic infections.
AIDS usually occurs when the lymphocyte count is below a specific level, and one of the following infections is present:
In an exclusive conversation with Dr Vishesh Kasliwal, Founder of Medyseva, let's understand the discrimination they endure sheds light on the urgent need for education, compassion, and destigmatization efforts.
Essential Oils' Potential: Do They Support HIV Or AIDS Management?Ongoing research is necessary to understand better the specific mechanisms through which essential oils may offer support in these conditions.
The Impact Of Stigma On HIV/AIDS: Breaking The SilenceSupport groups that help PLHIV are the need of the hour where one can openly discuss the fears, the taboos and discrimination faced, etc.
World AIDS Day 2023: Navigating Declines And Empowering Vulnerable Communities In India's Triumph Over HIV/AIDSOfficial demographics for the LGBTQ+ population in India are unavailable, but a 2012 submission by the government to the Supreme Court estimated around 2.5 million gay individuals in the country.
Combatting Rising HIV Threat: 6.26% Prevalence Of HIV Among Injecting Drug Users (IDU)Those living with HIV should seek guidance from a qualified homoeopath to strengthen their immune system and nurture their emotional well-being.
Side Effects of HIV Drugs: MitoQ Supplement May Reverse Organ Damage Caused By HIV, Antiretroviral TherapyMitochondrial dysfunction is blamed for some comorbidities associated with chronic HIV infection. MitoQ reduced mitochondrial dysfunction in HIV infected mice on ART.
World AIDS Day 2022: Advancements In The Treatment Of HIV/AIDSMultiple neutralizing antibodies for the treatment of HIV are being tested and developed by scientists at the NIAID Vaccine Research Center (VRC).
5 HIV Myths Proven False: Know Everything About Prevention ChoicesDr Atul Patel shares 5 myths about HIV/AIDS that have been proven false by facts and prevention options.
World AIDS Day 2022: HIV Infection Doesn t Always Lead To AIDS, Facts You Should KnowPeople detected with HIV-AIDS are still looked down upon by society. Let's dispel the myths surrounding HIV-AIDS.
20-Year-Old HIV-Positive Mother Left Unattended In Labour For Over Six Hours, Baby Dies Soon AfterStudies show the lack of knowledge about the routes of transmission of the virus among medical students and a strong association of HIV with unethical behaviour are two major reasons why these patients might suffer discrimination at their hands
HIV prevention lessons for Chennai's migrant workersHIV/AIDS is a disease that affects the human immune system. AIDS is the final stage of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection.
UNITAID To Roll Out Long-Lasting HIV Injection In South Africa, Brazil: All About This New Preventive MethodThe injection, developed by ViiV Healthcare, has been found to be more effective than daily oral PrEP in reducing the risk of HIV infection.
HIV Patients At 68 Per Cent Higher Risk Of Developing Heart Failure; Look Out For These SymptomsHeart failure is a common problem and can be triggered by many health complications, including HIV. Research has shown that people suffering from HIV are at higher risk of heart failure.
World AIDS Day 2021: Can HIV Spread Through Hugging or Kissing? Doctor Debunks Common MythsOn World AIDS Day, TheHealthSite.Com spoke to Dr. Deepak Verma, consultant internal medicine, Manipal Hospital, Ghaziabad to understand everything about this condition and myths that one can now put at rest.
World AIDS Day 2021: Rapid HIV Testing Kits In India -- How To Get Tested At HomeHIV test kit -- How to use it, what is the cost, how to read the results and more on this HIV testing kit answered.
World AIDS Day: Chronic Cough And Other Warning Signs of An HIV Infection That You Shouldn t IgnoreThe world marks AIDS Day on December 1 to highlight the work done to eliminate the epidemic. Today, on this day let's understand the various symptoms of HIV/AIDS infection that one should never ignore.
First Long-Acting Injection For HIV Approved, Patients Would Need Treatment Only For 6 DaysIn a breakthrough, a long-acting injection for HIV patients got a green light that will help reduce the time period for the treatment to just 6 days in a year.
The Importance Of Premarital Health CheckupsYou may be preoccupied with your wedding planning and spending a fortune on your wedding attire, food and decor. Along with that, make sure you are enrolling for some health tests too.
Impact Of Stigma On HIV-Positive Women In Rural Areas: Understanding DiscriminationIn an exclusive conversation with Dr Vishesh Kasliwal, Founder of Medyseva, let's understand the discrimination they endure sheds light on the urgent need for education, compassion, and destigmatization efforts.
Essential Oils' Potential: Do They Support HIV Or AIDS Management?Ongoing research is necessary to understand better the specific mechanisms through which essential oils may offer support in these conditions.
The Impact Of Stigma On HIV/AIDS: Breaking The SilenceSupport groups that help PLHIV are the need of the hour where one can openly discuss the fears, the taboos and discrimination faced, etc.
World AIDS Day 2023: Navigating Declines And Empowering Vulnerable Communities In India's Triumph Over HIV/AIDSOfficial demographics for the LGBTQ+ population in India are unavailable, but a 2012 submission by the government to the Supreme Court estimated around 2.5 million gay individuals in the country.
Combatting Rising HIV Threat: 6.26% Prevalence Of HIV Among Injecting Drug Users (IDU)Those living with HIV should seek guidance from a qualified homoeopath to strengthen their immune system and nurture their emotional well-being.
Side Effects of HIV Drugs: MitoQ Supplement May Reverse Organ Damage Caused By HIV, Antiretroviral TherapyMitochondrial dysfunction is blamed for some comorbidities associated with chronic HIV infection. MitoQ reduced mitochondrial dysfunction in HIV infected mice on ART.
World AIDS Day 2022: Advancements In The Treatment Of HIV/AIDSMultiple neutralizing antibodies for the treatment of HIV are being tested and developed by scientists at the NIAID Vaccine Research Center (VRC).
5 HIV Myths Proven False: Know Everything About Prevention ChoicesDr Atul Patel shares 5 myths about HIV/AIDS that have been proven false by facts and prevention options.
World AIDS Day 2022: HIV Infection Doesn t Always Lead To AIDS, Facts You Should KnowPeople detected with HIV-AIDS are still looked down upon by society. Let's dispel the myths surrounding HIV-AIDS.
20-Year-Old HIV-Positive Mother Left Unattended In Labour For Over Six Hours, Baby Dies Soon AfterStudies show the lack of knowledge about the routes of transmission of the virus among medical students and a strong association of HIV with unethical behaviour are two major reasons why these patients might suffer discrimination at their hands
HIV prevention lessons for Chennai's migrant workersHIV/AIDS is a disease that affects the human immune system. AIDS is the final stage of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection.
UNITAID To Roll Out Long-Lasting HIV Injection In South Africa, Brazil: All About This New Preventive MethodThe injection, developed by ViiV Healthcare, has been found to be more effective than daily oral PrEP in reducing the risk of HIV infection.
HIV Patients At 68 Per Cent Higher Risk Of Developing Heart Failure; Look Out For These SymptomsHeart failure is a common problem and can be triggered by many health complications, including HIV. Research has shown that people suffering from HIV are at higher risk of heart failure.
World AIDS Day 2021: Can HIV Spread Through Hugging or Kissing? Doctor Debunks Common MythsOn World AIDS Day, TheHealthSite.Com spoke to Dr. Deepak Verma, consultant internal medicine, Manipal Hospital, Ghaziabad to understand everything about this condition and myths that one can now put at rest.
World AIDS Day 2021: Rapid HIV Testing Kits In India -- How To Get Tested At HomeHIV test kit -- How to use it, what is the cost, how to read the results and more on this HIV testing kit answered.
First Long-Acting Injection For HIV Approved, Patients Would Need Treatment Only For 6 DaysIn a breakthrough, a long-acting injection for HIV patients got a green light that will help reduce the time period for the treatment to just 6 days in a year.
The Importance Of Premarital Health CheckupsYou may be preoccupied with your wedding planning and spending a fortune on your wedding attire, food and decor. Along with that, make sure you are enrolling for some health tests too.
Good News For People With HIV! Lifelong Medication May Not Be Needed To Control The VirusLike most medicines, antiretroviral drugs for HIV can also cause side effects. Scientists explain how HIV patients can still keep the virus in remission after stopping ART.
World AIDS Day: Chronic Cough And Other Warning Signs of An HIV Infection That You Shouldn t IgnoreThe world marks AIDS Day on December 1 to highlight the work done to eliminate the epidemic. Today, on this day let's understand the various symptoms of HIV/AIDS infection that one should never ignore.
HIV: This is how it is being diagnosedRead on to know about the diagnostic ways for HIV infection.
Living with HIV? Here are some tips to followIf you are living with HIV, here are some tips that may help you cope with this condition effectively.
Don't believe these myths associated with HIVThere are lots of myths and misconceptions surrounding HIV infection. Here, we bust them for you.
6 infections that come with HIV/AIDSHIV infection makes you susceptible to various other infections. Read on to know about them.
Living with HIV AIDS? Learn to manage your stress wellLiving with HIV AIDS? Learn to manage your stress well
Be aware about these symptoms of sexually transmitted diseasesBe aware about these symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases
Alert! These factors can increase your risk for HIVAlert! These factors can increase your risk for HIV
6 SHOCKING ways HIV can be transmitted!Breastfeeding, biting, oral sex + 4 more ways HIV virus can be spread.
World Aids Day: Bollywood movies about that generated awareness on HIV/AIDSWatch these movies to get a close to reality experience of what people diagnosed with HIV/AIDs go through.
World AIDS Day 2017: Does HIV/AIDS spread by kissing, touching and ...You might know about unprotected sex and HIV/AIDS but not the ways the HIV Virus can't spread.
World AIDS Day 2017: Watch out for these early signs of HIV infection!Fever, weight loss, diarrhoea after unprotected sex: Are these early signs of HIV infection?
Daily Sex Tip: 7 STDs you can get from having unprotected sex (Slide Show)These diseases should serve as a warning to you to not have unprotected sex.
Sexologist and psychiatrist Dr Shyam Mithiya talks about testing for HIVSexologist Dr Shyam Mithiya explains the tests that you can go for if you suspect you have an HIV transmission due to unprotected sex.
World AIDS Day 2014: Big B and Imran Khan spread awareness on HIV preventionWorld AIDS Day 2014: Big B and Imran Khan spread awareness on HIV prevention
World AIDS Day 2014: It's Not Over -- watch an inspiring tale of 3 HIV+ peopleThis documentary on HIV/AIDS shares 3 inspiring tales of HIV+ people from across the globe.
Condoms -- everything you wanted to knowCondoms -- everything you wanted to know
Will you talk about sex if Ranveer Singh asks you to?Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh takes to media for spreading awareness on HIV/AIDS.
Prince Harry supports 'Feel No Shame' campaign on World AIDS DayWatch what is the most embarrassing thing for Prince Harry to share with other people.
TeachAIDS -- stigma-free HIV/AIDS educationTeachAIDS -- stigma-free HIV/AIDS education
World AIDS Day 2012: TeachAIDS videoWorld AIDS Day 2012: TeachAIDS video
Is There A Link Between Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) And HIV?
Research shows that BV can increase your risk of contracting HIV, and people with HIV are more prone to developing BV and other infections.
BV is a common vaginal infection caused by an imbalance in bacteria. It can result in symptoms such as unusual discharge and odor, though some people may not experience any symptoms.
HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system, making it harder to fight infections like BV.
Healthy vaginal bacteria produce lactic acid, which helps maintain a low pH, limiting the growth of harmful pathogens. In people with BV, these protective bacteria are outnumbered.
This allows harmful bacteria to thrive and inflames the vaginal tissue, making it more susceptible to infections like HIV. The disrupted environment may also cause small lesions or tissue damage, creating entry points for HIV.
BV is common but treatable. If you have symptoms of BV, it's a good idea to make an appointment with a healthcare professional.
People with HIV are more likely to develop BV, recurrent infections, or severe symptoms. HIV weakens the immune system, making it harder for the body to maintain a healthy bacterial balance.
This highlights the importance of regular STI testing and proactive care, especially for people living with HIV.
BV can be diagnosed with a vaginal swab during a routine gynecological exam. Some over-the-counter BV tests are available, but healthcare professionals recommend getting confirmation from a clinic for accurate results.
BV is typically treated with antibiotics. If BV is left untreated, it can increase the risk of complications, including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and during pregnancy.
While there is no cure for HIV, it can be managed with antiretroviral therapy. HIV treatment has improved significantly in the past few years, and the right treatment can greatly improve your quality of life.
There is a significant link between BV and HIV. BV can increase the risk of HIV transmission by compromising the vaginal environment, while people with HIV are more prone to developing BV due to immune system challenges.
Practicing good hygiene, using barrier methods, and getting regular STI screenings are key to maintaining your health.
If you experience symptoms or suspect an infection, early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications and improve your well-being.
Sian Ferguson is a freelance health and cannabis writer based in Cape Town, South Africa. She's passionate about empowering readers to take care of their mental and physical health through science-based, empathetically delivered information.
Comments
Post a Comment