During the first stage of HIV infection, the person may not have any symptoms. But the virus stays in the body for a long time and can eventually cause AIDS. However, in most cases, people can lead healthy lives with regular treatment.
During the early stages, the virus will attack the white blood cells called CD4 cells. This type of cell helps to detect and fight germs and other infections. When a person with HIV has too few of these cells, the immune system is weakened. This weakening of the immune system means that the person is at risk for a wide variety of diseases. When the person has AIDS, their immune system is weakened to the point that it cannot combat any normal infection. This can result in damage to various organs and a higher chance of developing life-threatening cancers.
The first symptom of HIV is usually a fever. The fever can be accompanied by chills, shivering, sweating, and a sore throat. A person may also develop a rash or open sores on the genital area. The sores can act as a gateway for the virus to spread to the rest of the body.
Another symptom of HIV is fatigue. The body’s immune system responds to the infection by producing an inflammatory response that can cause fatigue. Other symptoms of the infection include low energy levels, sore throat, and swollen lymph glands. In advanced stages, HIV can cause encephalopathy, a condition that affects the structure and function of the brain. The goal of HIV treatment is to reduce the amount of the virus in the body.
The virus is transmitted through sex and through sharing needles. In many communities, there are needle exchange programs that allow HIV-positive people to receive sterile syringes. These programs also help to prevent the transmission of HIV by referring individuals to addiction treatment.
In addition, HIV can be transmitted through the use of illegal drugs. If you are using illicit injection drugs, you should seek medical care as soon as possible. These medications should be used only with clean needles and should be avoided during pregnancy.
While there are no guarantees of survival, you can live a healthy life with HIV if you treat it properly. To do this, you should avoid smoking, drinking, and eating unhealthy foods. You should also stay physically active. If you are pregnant, you should talk to your health care provider about receiving special pre-natal treatments. These treatments can help to limit the transmission of the virus to the baby.
If you are unsure if you have HIV, you can find out by having a test done. These tests are available at pharmacies or your doctor’s office without a prescription. Your doctor will take a small sample of blood from your arm and will analyze it to see if you have the virus. The test will be confidential.
The first symptoms of HIV are generally mild and last a few weeks to a few months. Some people may have a mild flu-like illness at the beginning of the infection. Others may experience no symptoms at all.
