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Signs of the HIV AIDS Virus

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the virus that causes AIDS (Auto Immune Deficiency Syndrome). Many people who have HIV do not know that they are infected; for this reason it is important to get tested for HIV if you are sexually active or at risk for HIV in other ways.

  1. Symptoms

    • You can not tell that someone has HIV by looking at him or her. Likewise, you will probably not know that you have been infected with HIV unless you have tested positive. Not all people will have symptoms after contracting HIV, or they may ignore the symptoms. A doctor may miss symptoms because he or she may believe that they are caused by something else. Some people may experience flu-like symptoms two to eight weeks after being infected while the virus is reproducing in their body.

    Get Tested

    • The only way to be sure if you have HIV is to get an HIV test. There are many different kinds of HIV tests, the most common will test for HIV antibodies. In order to get an accurate result on the HIV antibodies test you should be tested at least 3 months after possible infection.

    Symptoms of AIDS

    • Many people will experience no symptoms when they contract HIV and will only begin to experience symptoms years after initial infection. Symptoms of AIDS are more numerous than that of HIV and include sore throat, white coating on the tongue, recurring yeast infections, chronic pelvic inflammatory disease, frequent illness, rapid weight loss, bruising easily, frequent diarrhea, frequent dry cough, purplish growth on the skin, frequent rashes, swelling of the glands, shortness of breath, unexplained bleeding, severe numbness and decreased mental abilities.

    Treatment

    • There is no cure for HIV or AIDS. There is treatment available that can help you live a longer, healthier life. If you are sexually active or have other risk factors for HIV you should get tested. Treatment is the best way to remain healthy if you have HIV, so it is important to see your doctor after being diagnosed and see him or her regularly.

    Prevention

    • The best way to avoid being infected with HIV sexually is to avoid any sexual activity that involves blood, semen or vaginal fluids. If you are sexually active you can reduce your risk of infection by reducing your number of partners, only engaging in sexual activity with someone who does not have HIV. Use a latex or polyurethane condom or barrier each time you engage in sexual activity. If you use injection drugs you should never share needles and you should disinfect them with each use. Remember that HIV is transmitted in blood, semen, vaginal fluids and breast milk, so to reduce your risk you should avoid contact with these fluids.

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