If you are a person living with HIV you understand the importance of connecting with other HIV people. Our site is here to connect you with other HIV people. If you have any of the signs or symptoms listed here you should consult your physician immediately.
HIV People with Early infection
HIV People with the early stages of HIV, may have no signs or symptoms at all, although it is more common to develop a brief flu-like illness two to four weeks after becoming infected. Signs and symptoms may include: Fever, Headache, Sore throat, Swollen lymph glands, Rash
Even if you do not have symptoms, you are still able to transmit the HIV virus to other people. Once the virus enters your body, your own immune system also comes under attack.
HIV People with Later infection
Many HIV people remain symptom-free for many years. As the virus continues to multiply destroying immune cells, you may develop mild infections or further symptoms such as: Swollen lymph nodes — often one of the first signs of HIV infection, Diarrhea, Weight loss, Fever, Cough and shortness of breath.
HIV People and the latest phase of infection
The last phase of HIV occurs approximately ten or more years after the initial infection — more serious symptoms may begin to appear, and the infection may then meet the official definition of AIDS. People with serious signs of HIV show the following signs in the latest phase of infection:
- The development of an opportunistic infection — an infection that occurs when your immune system is impaired — such as Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP)
- A CD4 lymphocyte count of 200 or less — a normal count ranges from 800 to 1,200
By the time fully HIV develops, your immune system has been severely damaged, making you susceptible to opportunistic infections. The signs and symptoms of some of these infections may include:
- Soaking night sweats
- Shaking chills or fever higher than 100 F (38 C) for several weeks
- Dry cough and shortness of breath
- Chronic diarrhea
- Persistent white spots or unusual lesions on your tongue or in your mouth
- Headaches
- Blurred and distorted vision
- Weight loss
Other HIV people may also begin to experience signs and symptoms of later stage HIV infection itself, such as:
- Persistent, unexplained fatigue
- Soaking night sweats
- Shaking chills or fever higher than 100 F (38 C) for several weeks
- Swelling of lymph nodes for more than three months
- Chronic diarrhea
- Persistent headaches
Treatment for HIV People
Doctors often recommend drug therapy for HIV people who are committed to taking all their medications and have a CD4 count below 350 cells/mL. Some HIV people, including pregnant women and people with kidney or neurological problems related to HIV, may need treatment regardless of their CD4 count.
It is extremely important for HIV people to take all doses of their medications, otherwise the virus will quickly become resistant to the drugs. Therapy always involves a combination of antiviral drugs.
People with HIV infection need to become educated about the disease and treatment so that they can be active partners in making decisions with their health care provider.
Cited references:
MayoClinic on HIV
Google Health on HIV