Human immunodeficiency viruses (Human Immunodeficiency Viruses) are two species of Lentivirus (a genus of retrovirus) that cause an infection that, if left untreated, leads to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Thus, HIV leads to AIDS, but some people are unaware that the first stage, HIV, can manifest itself with some symptoms as early as the first weeks after infection, when the viral load is highest and the subject is most contagious.
Knowing that HIV is also symptomatic could be very helpful. If one or more symptoms develop as a result of unprotected intercourse, the subject can become aware of this and have himself or herself examined in time, thus initiating appropriate treatment as quickly as possible.
First symptoms from HIV infection: what they are and the importance of prevention
Human immunodeficiency viruses (Human Immunodeficiency Viruses) are two species of Lentivirus (a genus of retrovirus) that cause an infection that, if left untreated, leads to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Thus, HIV leads to AIDS, but some people are unaware that the first stage, HIV, can manifest itself with some symptoms as early as the first weeks after infection, when the viral load is highest and the subject is most contagious. The first stage of infection is called 'first infection'.
Therefore, if someone has had unprotected sex with a person whose serostatus he or she does not know, and within the first period develops flu-like symptoms (the first period in which these symptoms occur is one to four weeks after infection), he or she should have an HIV test, but also avoid unprotected sex until the result is known. It should also be remembered that early diagnosis is of vital importance, especially for the control of the disease in subsequent years.
Fever, tiredness and exhaustion, night sweats, very swollen lymph nodes, not only near the throat, sore throat and skin rashes are the main symptoms of first HIV infection. These symptoms may develop individually or even in combination
There are also less common symptoms at this early stage of the infection, which may be more difficult to detect. These symptoms include pain in the muscles and joints, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting, and oral and vaginal mucous disorders.
Di Photo Credit: C. GoldsmithContent Providers: CDC/ C. Goldsmith, P. Feorino, E. L. Palmer, W. R. M
Symptoms may indicate an HIV infection, but also have a different cause. Moreover, their intensity varies from person to person and may last several days or even several weeks before subsiding. Moreover, some people do not present any symptoms at all.