The following article will list some of the beginning symptoms of HIV/AIDS.
Please know that these symptoms are only guidelines; the only way to know for sure is to get tested. We are in no way advising against proper testing and professional medical advice. For more information about where to get tested please visit: http://www.hivtest.org .
When you first become infected with HIV/AIDS, you may not have any symptoms; however, you are still able to pass the virus on to others. Many people experience brief flu-like illness two to four weeks after becoming infected.
The main symptoms are as follows:
Fever
Headache
Sore throat
Swollen lymph glands
Rash
Rapid weight loss
Dry cough and shortness of breath
Recurring fever
Profuse night sweats
Chronic Diarrhea or Diarrhea that lasts more than a week
White spots or usual blemishes on the tongue, in the mouth, or in the throat
Red, brown, pink or purplish blotches on or under the skin or inside the mouth, nose or eyelids
Memory loss, depression and other neurological disorders
Blurred and distorted vision
If you are experiencing 3 or more of these symptoms, please visit your local HIV/AIDS testing agency for testing and more information.
People living with HIV can feel fine and appear healthy. These symptom can take anywhere from four to six weeks to seven years to develop. But as the virus continues to duplicate; immune system becomes weaker and weaker. As the immune system becomes weaker, the body begins to experience more and more of these symptoms. If HIV/AIDS is left untreated, the virus will continue to replicate and the body may be exposed to Opportunistic Infections.
Opportunistic Infections are infections that the body can usually fight off on its own; but cannot because the immune system has been compromised. Once the body has been infected with an opportunistic infection, medication is necessary to rebuild the immune system and treat the infection. These medications can limit or slow down the destruction of the immune system, improve the health of people living with HIV, and may reduce their ability to transmit HIV to others. Untreated early HIV infection is also associated with many other diseases including cardiovascular disease, kidney disease liver disease and cancer.
Remember, education is the greatest weapon we have against HIV/AIDS.
Get Educated
. Be aware
. And Stay ALIVE!!!!!