Syphilis
10 Crucial HIV Symptoms Often Missed By Patients - Rolling Out
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 sweatsOne 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 weaknessFatigue 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 nodesLymph 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 lesionsSkin 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 painHIV 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 ulcersA 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 lossRapid 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 issuesGastrointestinal 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 issuesFrequent 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 illnessOne 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 livesHIV 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.
15 HIV Symptoms - Medical News Today
The early signs and symptoms of HIV infection tend to be nonspecific. Within days or weeks of exposure to the virus, a person may notice flu-like symptoms, a rash, and fatigue. Some people may not have any symptoms.
A person's symptoms may vary depending on their stage of progression. For example, someone with stage 1 HIV may have different symptoms from someone with stage 3 HIV, also known as AIDS.
A note about sex and genderSex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms "male," "female," or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Learn more.
There are three stages of HIV. Below are the potential signs and symptoms of HIV depending on the stage of the condition:
Stage 1 HIV symptoms
Stage 1 HIV typically develops within 2 to 4 weeks of HIV transmission. Symptoms at this stage are often vague and unspecific, and may include:
Early symptoms are usually bearable and frequently mistaken for the flu or another mild condition. People may easily underestimate them or mistake them for minor health conditions.
Some people may not have any symptoms at this stage. However, they will have a significant amount of the HIV virus in their bloodstream, meaning it is easy to pass it on.
If someone thinks that they have HIV, they should speak with a healthcare professional as soon as possible.
Stage 2 HIV symptoms
Stage 2 HIV, or chronic HIV, may take around 10 years to progress to stage 3, although this process may be faster or slower for some people.
Some people may not have HIV-related symptoms during this stage, which is why healthcare professionals may also refer to this phase as the asymptomatic phase.
Others may experience general fatigue and enlarged lymph nodes in at least two sites for more than 3 to 6 months. People may also experience the following:
During this phase, HIV is still multiplying inside the body but at lower levels than in the acute phase.
Stage 3 HIV symptoms
Stage 3 HIV, also known as AIDS, may cause the following symptoms:
How HIV symptoms differ in males and females
While males and females may have many of the same early signs and symptoms of HIV, females may also experience symptoms such as genital yeast infections and changes in menstruation.
Nonbinary and transgender people have a disproportionate burden of HIV, particularly transgender women. Factors that may contribute to this uneven burden may include discrimination, social stigma, and insensitivity to transgender-specific health needs.
Further research on HIV symptoms in transgender and nonbinary populations is necessary. However, transgender or nonbinary people may experience many of the same vague symptoms as cisgender people, such as fever, headaches, or ulcers.
Read more about HIV and genderHowever, higher numbers of males acquired HIV and experienced death due to HIV-related causes.
Although HIV remains a serious health concern, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights that the number of people with HIV in the United States decreased by 12% from 2018 to 2022.
Some groups of people are affected more by HIV than others. For example, the CDC states that men in the United States who reported male-to-male sexual contact made up 67% of new HIV cases in 2022.
The only way to know if someone has HIV is to test for the virus. After exposure to the virus, there is a period in which tests will not detect the virus; the length of the period is specific to the test.
According to the CDC, healthcare professionals may diagnose HIV with the following tests:
Usually, the above tests are evaluated in labs, but home tests are also available. Home tests, which are usually antibody tests, may require a small blood or saliva sample, and their results are quickly available. Some home tests give results in as little as 20 minutes.
If a home test is positive, it is essential to confirm the results with a doctor. If the test is negative, a person should repeat it after a few months to confirm the results.
How often should people test for HIV?
The CDC recommends that everyone between 13 and 64 years old take an HIV test at least once as part of their routine healthcare.
They also recommend that people with the following risk factors take a test at least once a year:
HIV is a virus that weakens the immune system and leaves the body more prone to opportunistic diseases and infections.
Current treatments, such as antiretroviral therapy (ART), mean that stage 3 HIV is much less common. ART is a long-term treatment that lowers HIV levels in the body and stops the virus from replicating, allowing a person's immune system to grow stronger.
How do people with HIV feel?
People with stage 1 HIV may experience generalized symptoms, such as fever, headache, or fatigue, that they may mistake for the flu.
Some people may not have any symptoms and may not know they have HIV until it progresses or they test positive.
What happens if someone gets HIV?
An acute HIV infection can take 2 to 4 weeks after transmission to develop. During this stage, a person will have high levels of HIV in the blood, which increases the risk of further transmission.
Treatment and diagnosis at this stage can offer significant health benefits.
How long do people with HIV live?
People should get HIV treatment as soon as possible. Without treatment, a person with stage 3 HIV typically lives for around 3 years.
HIV and AIDS resourcesFor more in-depth information and resources on HIV and AIDS, visit our dedicated hub.
HIV symptoms vary depending on the stage of the condition. Early stage symptoms may be similar to those of the flu. People may experience headaches, fever, fatigue, and more.
As the condition progresses, a person may not have any symptoms. However, in stage 3 HIV, also known as AIDS, a person may experience severe symptoms related to opportunistic infections. This may include rapid weight loss, night sweats, and sores.
Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help slow the progression of the virus and significantly improve a person's quality of life. Knowing the early signs can help a person receive a quick diagnosis.
Women, Younger Injection Drug Users Have A Higher Risk For HIV, HCV
April 12, 2023
2 min read
Add topic to email alerts
Receive an email when new articles are posted on
Please provide your email address to receive an email when new articles are posted on . Subscribe We were unable to process your request. Please try again later. If you continue to have this issue please contact customerservice@slackinc.Com.Back to Healio
Key takeaways:Results from a systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrated greater risk for hepatitis C virus and HIV infection among women and younger people who inject drugs, according to data reported in The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology.
"Globally, around 18% of people who inject drugs (PWID) are living with HIV and more than 50% have been infected with HCV," Adelina Artenie, PhD, of the department of population health sciences at Bristol Medical School in the United Kingdom, and colleagues wrote. "Over the past two decades, the incidence rates of HIV and HCV have declined among PWID in some high-income countries (HICs). ... Meanwhile, persistently high levels or outbreaks of HIV and HCV among PWID have been reported in other HICs and low-income or middle-income countries (LMICs)."
Data derived from Artenie A, et al. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2023;doi:10.1016/S2468-1253(23)00018-3.
They continued: "A better understanding of these shifting epidemiological patterns and the availability of data globally are needed to orient surveillance and programming efforts. However, no global study has summarized HIV and HCV incidence among PWID."
In a systematic review and meta-analysis, Artenie and colleagues searched Medline, Embase and PsycInfo databases and identified 125 records with data on HIV and HCV incidence among PWID and associations with age and sex. Of these records, 64 estimated HIV incidence (30 HICs, 34 LMICs) from 1987 to 2021 and 66 estimated HCV incidence (52 HICs, 14 LMICs) from 1992 to 2021.
Pooled incidence was 1.7 per 100 person-years (95% CI, 1.3-2.3) for HIV and 12.1 per 100 person-years (95% CI, 10-14.6) for HCV. Compared with older PWID, young PWID had a higher risk for HIV (RR = 1.5; 95% CI, 1.2-1.8) and HCV (RR = 1.5; 95% CI, 1.3-1.8). Similarly, women were at greater risk for HIV and HCV (RR = 1.4; 95% CI, 1.1-1.6 and RR = 1.2; 95% CI, 1.1-1.3, respectively) compared with men.
"Given the higher risks of HIV and HCV acquisition in young vs. Older PWID and in women vs. Men who inject drugs, age-appropriate and gender-appropriate prevention and harm reduction measures are also urgently needed to serve these subgroups at high risk," Artenie and colleagues concluded. "Factors other than age and sex or gender are also likely to be influencing HIV and HCV acquisition risks (eg, types of drugs injected and the context of injection, identifying as men who have sex with men and engaging in sex work) and research is also needed to synthesize the role of these other factors to better strengthen HIV and HCV prevention responses."
Sources/DisclosuresCollapse Disclosures: Artenie reports receiving support through postdoctoral fellowships from the Canadian Institute of Health Research, Fonds de recherche du Québec-Santé and the Canadian Network on Hepatitis C. Please see the study for all other authors' relevant financial disclosures.Add topic to email alerts
Receive an email when new articles are posted on
Please provide your email address to receive an email when new articles are posted on . Subscribe We were unable to process your request. Please try again later. If you continue to have this issue please contact customerservice@slackinc.Com.Back to Healio
Comments
Post a Comment