Contracting Hiv

What are the early symptoms of HIV infection?

Despite increased awareness about HIV, AIDS and the risks of unprotected sex, many people do not know what the early symptoms of HIV. Although the chances of contracting the virus are still relatively low, it is important to be aware of possible symptoms, especially if you recently had sex without a condom.

However, part of the problem is that almost one third of people who contract the virus do not show early symptoms at all. In fact, many live with HIV for years without realizing they are infected. Of course, getting the infection is diagnosed with an HIV test , the better the chances of treatment.


What HIV does to the body?

HIV is a virus that, in its advanced form, can lead to the terminal state of AIDS (acquired immune deficiency virus). It attacks the body's cells that fight infection - leaving you more vulnerable to disease. A person infected with HIV will not necessarily AIDS. By the late stages of HIV, symptoms are pronounced and can have a debilitating effect on the victim.

However, in its early stages, HIV is known as primary infection. Symptoms usually appear a few weeks after exposure and can last only for a short period.


The first signs to look for:

Early stage of HIV may share many of the same symptoms as the common conditions (such as influenza or glandular fever). The key is to work if you encounter one of the following symptoms after unprotected sex recent:

Throat - Sore and dry
Fever - Headaches and high
- Feeling tired and lacking energy
- Pain in joints, muscles and lower back
- Nausea Feeling and having poor appetite
- Swollen lymph nodes (especially in the neck and armpits)
- Rash on chest and arms from time to time
- Diarrhea

As mentioned above, although about 60% of people infected with HIV develop symptoms, many others will not.


Getting a diagnosis:

If you think you might have contracted HIV, do not panic. Your chances of infection are low - almost zero if you used condoms during sex.

However, if you're concerned, or if you have symptoms a few weeks after unprotected sex, then it is important to test for HIV (not the same as an AIDS test ). If the symptoms disappear after a few days this does not mean that you are all clear. Often people will experience the first signs and no symptoms outside of other years later. Currently, the infection developed in your body and more difficult to treat.

Clinics such as freedom of health in London offering HIV testing that can detect the virus at 10 days after infection. You can also find a treatment, such as post-exposure prophylaxis. It is a course of a month of anti-HIV drugs to those who believe they may have been recently exposed to the virus.