Early Signs of HIV Infection (Primary HIV Infection)
Posted by Pozziepinoy on 10:33 PM
A lot of people have been sending emails asking if they have HIV based on signs and symptoms that they are experiencing. Because of this, we would like to discuss the early signs of HIV Infection or what is usually referred to as Primary HIV Infection.
As early as 2 to 4
weeks, but sometimes up to 3 months after exposure to HIV people can
experience an acute illness closely resembling a severe case of the flu. This
is called Acute Retroviral Syndrome (ARS) or Primary HIV Infection. It
is the body’s natural response to HIV infection. During the initial period
of infection, HIV replication is very rapid. As the level of HIV in
the blood rises, it begins to attack the immune system, catching it off guard
and weakening it to the point of causing symptoms. Some symptoms of
HIV infection are similar to symptoms of many other common illnesses, such
as the flu, or respiratory or gastrointestinal infections. Because
of the nonspecific nature of these symptoms, they are often not recognized as
signs of HIV infection. Also, many people who are HIV positive do
not have any symptoms of HIV infection. Often people only begin to
feel sick when they progress towards AIDS. Sometimes people
living with HIV go through periods of being sick and then feel
fine. Regardless of this, during Primary HIV Infection, there are higher
levels of virus circulating in the blood, semen and vaginal fluids. This
means that people can more easily transmit the virus to others.
So what are the most
common symptoms of primary HIV infection?
1) Fever/Night
sweats. These occur
without exercise and occur primarily, though not always, while sleeping.
They can be very profuse; soaking bedclothes, sheets and blankets.
2) Rash. These can occur anywhere on the body
and may vary in appearance. However, they often appear as generally
reddish or brown in color. They are normally small and slightly raised
and can be sore or itchy. In individuals with light skin, they may appear
red or brown. In those with dark skin, they can be dark brown or black. Primarily the rash develops on the face, hands, feet and trunk.
Occasionally, it can appear in the genital area and the anus as well.
3) Swollen
lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are small,
bean-sized organs of the immune system distributed widely throughout the
body. Lymph fluid collects foreign substances throughout the body
and is filtered through the lymph nodes where the immune system can rid those
foreign substances from the body. As lymphatic fluid passes through
the lymph nodes, immune system cells and fluid remain, causing the lymph nodes
to swell, often times to many times their size. Viral illnesses, such as HIV,
can cause generalized swelling of lymph nodes all over the body. They
are most easily detected when they are swollen are more easily located near the
surface; under the armpits, around the groin, the chest and the neck.
4) Unusual
discharges from the Penis, Vagina or Anus, any unusual spots, tingling
sensations or eruptions in these areas, or a burning sensation while urinating. These are often the symptoms
associated with a variety of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), other than
HIV. However, people who are infected with HIV may also have these as
co-infections. If this is the case, these symptoms will appear
more strongly. Due to the weakened immune system caused by HIV, they
often progress rapidly and can have very serious health consequences for the
HIV+ person. They also make that person more infectious and thus more
likely to transmit HIV to others.
5) Sore throat
6) Mouth ulcers
7) Muscle
aches and joint Pain
8) Chills
9) Fatigue
10) Headache
11) Diarrhea
How can I tell for
certain that I am suffering from Primary HIV Infection?
The only way to be
certain is to undergo an HIV test.
Most of these tests test for the presence of
antibodies to HIV in the blood. Basically everyone should make
testing for HIV a normal part of their annual medical checkup. If
you have come been in a situation whereby the blood, semen or vaginal fluid of
another person has come into contact with any cuts, sores or breaks in the
skin; or through mucus membranes such as those found in the anus or vagina; or
through direct injection, then you should undergo an HIV test.
Why is Identifying
Primary HIV Infection Important?
First and foremost, an
early diagnosis of HIV provides the first opportunity to appropriately counsel
patients in regard to preventing the spread of the disease. Being unaware of an
HIV infection increases the possibility of an infected person unknowingly spreading
the disease to others by way of unsafe sexual practices or the sharing of
needles. In addition, an early diagnosis allows early medical intervention that
has been shown to be a positive influence on the course of HIV throughout a
person's lifetime.
Secondly, Primary HIV
Infection represents a brief opportunity to control the dissemination of HIV
throughout the body. This early spread of the virus greatly affects the course
of the disease and sets immune system damage into motion. One school of thought
is that early intervention with antiretroviral medications can limit the
initial spread of HIV, thus allowing the body's immune system to stay healthier
longer and therefore remaining better able to fight the disease.
I hope readers have
found this blog entry helpful.
Credits: http://www.poz.com/archive/2008_Mar_2168.shtml
http://www.aidsmap.com/Primary-infection/page/1044761/
http://www.thebody.com/content/art2722.html
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/acute-hiv-rash.html
Get tested, stay healthy
and, if you're on ARV, compliant with your ARV regimen.
Malcolm Brown
International Contributor
"WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER.
NO PLHIV is alone with his or her struggle with HIV!"
-Pozziepinoy-
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Reserved by Pozziepinoy 2012
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Tags: HIV Manila, HIV Philippines, AIDS Manila, AIDS Philippines, HIV/AIDS Manila, HIV/AIDS Philippines
