Basic Symptoms of HIV

HIV has become one of the most researched viruses in medicine today. But even with all of the research that has been done, HIV can still exist in people who have no idea they have contracted the disease.
The virus is spread through the exchange of bodily fluids, especially during sexual contact.

Identification

• HIV is an acronym for the human immunodeficiency virus. In the simplest terms, HIV is an infection that attacks the body's immune system. HIV destroys the white blood cells in the body--known as the CD4 T-cells--that the body needs to fight disease. HIV is not AIDS, but rather the first stages of AIDS. It is possible to have HIV that does not develop into AIDS.

Significance

• The very initial symptoms of HIV cannot be detected without a blood test. When HIV enters a person's body, the body immediately begins to develop a series of antibodies to help fight the virus. The blood test shows the presence of these antibodies.

Effects

• In some cases the HIV infection does produce physical symptoms, however these symptoms are often mistaken as a more common illness by the person suffering from them. These are usually flu-like symptoms such as a fever, a headache or even a sore throat.
  Slightly more aggressive early symptoms such as swollen glands and a noticeable red rash on the skin will sometimes cause a person to get tested for a viral infection, and this would be when HIV is discovered.

Considerations

• Another symptom of HIV is constant fatigue. It is important to remember that it is possible to have HIV for years and never know it. The tendency for HIV to not show symptoms is a major reason why it is important for sexually active people to get regular blood work done.

Warning

• Even if you are unaware that you have the HIV virus because you do not show any physical symptoms and you have not had a blood test, once you are infected with HIV it is possible for you to infect others.