How To Detect And Defend Against Early Signs Of HIV

The signs of having contracted human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can surface in as little as two weeks, or take as long as three months. It is essential to be aware of how the infection can manifest itself early on. Early detection ensures proper diagnosis. This allows doctors to provide treatment to slow the progression of AIDS and help patients live a full life. Many of the early symptoms associated with HIV are similar to the flu.

HIV patients need intense treatment to manage their condition. HIV treatment is usually called antiretroviral therapy, as HIV is a retrovirus. HIV therapy involves taking a selection of HIV medications to slow down the virus' progression in the body. Unfortunately, there is no cure for HIV yet, although many laboratories are searching for one.

Headaches

Headaches affect one in two individuals living with HIV, with more than one in four experiencing chronic migraines. Low CD4 T-cell counts cause headaches most often. However, they could also be a result of other issues such as infection, nervous system maladies, and medication toxicity. A physician should examine new or severe headaches. Most HIV patients indicate their headaches are not typical run-of-the-mill tension headaches.

The patients who live with chronic migraines experience symptoms such as intense, pulsating and throbbing head pain, sensitivity to light, as well as blurred vision. This will happen for approximately fifteen days or more per month. In comparison, only two percent of individuals in the general population who do not suffer from HIV experience chronic migraines.

Fever

A fever is the body's normal response to a viral infection. Thus, it should be no surprise that one of the most common symptoms of HIV is fever. There are many reasons for an HIV-related fever, including reactions to the disease itself and HIV medications. Additional infections resulting from a lowered immunity may also be a factor for some patients. Individuals with HIV can experience persistent or occasional fevers. In the case of an acute HIV infection, a persistent fever is often a sign that the body is still functioning the way it should.