A Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection can be a heartbreaking diagnosis, but it carries far more hope now than it ever had in the past. With ongoing research and breakthroughs in treatments, individuals with the virus are now able to suppress the onset of AIDS and lead almost normal lives.
HIV is passed from person to person through bodily fluids, including breast milk, blood, semen, and vaginal liquids. Unfortunately, even patients who have been treated and show no signs of the disease can still be carriers and may pass it on during sexual intercourse, sharing needles, or nursing a baby.
The first symptoms HIV signs can occur at varying stages, sneaking up on some in what appears to be like a common cold. Fatigue, fever, a dry cough, and weakness are some of the first signs which appear among those who have been infected.
Physical Signs
Unlike a basic cold or flu, one of the first symptoms HIV signs can be seen physically in the form of a rash. This can appear across the face, neck, torso, or limbs. Some HIV patients will get a rash in their mouth which feels like ulcers. The rash can be itchy and uncomfortable, and even slightly painful depending on where it is located.
Fortunately, the rash can be treated, and in very mild cases may even go away by keeping the area clean and dry and eating and sleeping properly. More extreme rashes may require medication. Ironically, one of the side effects of some Human Immunodeficiency Virus medicine is a rash.
Aches And Pains
The first symptoms HIV signs can include aches and pains in the form of muscle and joint soreness and headaches. Many men and women also complain of swollen and sore glands in the throat, which can be misdiagnosed as a cold symptom.
These aches and pains often increase the fatigue that HIV patients are feeling already, and make it hard to shake the feeling of being sick.
While these are some of the earliest signs of the virus, they are not apparent in every case. Some men and women diagnosed with HIV will lead perfectly healthy and normal lives never knowing that anything is wrong until it has progressed into AIDs. Sometimes this can be ten or more years after contracting the virus, which is why it is so important for individuals to report symptoms of this kind to a doctor right away.
Early Signs And Early Diagnosis
The discovery of early signs can be a blessing to those who have contracted the virus, as it allows for treatment to begin right away. Medications now used for HIV are able to slow it down to almost a standstill, making it possible to avoid AIDs altogether in some cases, although this may not always be possible.
If you are experiencing long term cold and flu symptoms which seem to be hanging around much longer than usual speak to a medical professional as soon as possible. It may be nothing, but it could be worth looking into.