AIDS Signs and Symptoms of HIV Infection

AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) exists as a disease effecting humans. Its manifestation’s a direct result of infection through HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). Early warning signs of HIV infection can often be confused with common illnesses (testing using either a Home HIV Test or through a health adviser is paramount), yet the infected person has the potential to develop full-blown AIDS, while spreading the disease without being aware. Initially discovered in 1981 in New York and San Francisco, AIDS and HIV remain a vast pandemic. Figures released by AVERT in 2010, indicate that in 2009, an estimated 33.3 million people world-wide (including children) suffer from HIV/AIDS infection. Determining the correct signs and symptoms remains essential in prevent deteriorating health, while eliminating further infections.

The HIV infection results in a lowered immune system, making the human body more susceptible to other forms of illness. A healthy body would normally resist such common infections.

After a period of nearly four weeks a range of between 50%-90% of people begin to display early warning signs of infection. Referred to as the primary or acute stage of HIV infection, it exists as the starting point for the illness. Unfortunately the early symptoms can easily become confused with other common flu-like signs. The communicable nature of the virus remains at the strongest point during this primary infection phase. So what do the signs and symptoms of HIV infection look like?

The primary HIV infection signs:

Body Symptoms

A high fever occurs normally above 100.4ºF or 38ºC. This fever lasts for between 4 to 5 days.

Joint ache, sore throat, muscle pain and headaches will all remain persistent.

The lymph nodes in the armpits as well as the neck can swell up.

Skin mouth genital symptoms

Open sores or ulcers start to appear.

Distinctive open sores occur in the mouth, esophagus, anus or the penis. These sores remain painful while often open to cross-infection from other bodily fluids.

A rash can also appear on the face, neck, and upper chest, lasting for between 6 to 8 days.

Digestive indicators

Sufferers of HIV infection can develop diarrhea, vomiting, loss of weight and loss of appetite.

Respiratory symptoms

A dry cough remains a central indicator of primary HIV infection. No other type of cough has this association.

Advanced HIV infection

As the HIV infection passes the Primary phase it can often appear to disappear from the infected individual. Yet the virus still remains. Opportunistic infections become the norm because the body’s lower in immunity. These advanced infections can occur over several years, as the sufferer may feel unsure they’re infected with HIV, after the initial signs and symptoms of the primary stage.

Opportunistic infections include the common yeast infection. Candida remains the initial source of yeast infections. Candida’s a fungal organism found on the body of all healthy people. With a lowered immunity this fungus presents an opportunistic infection to the infected. Candidiasis of the mouth and esophagus are commonly experienced. Thrush remains the most familiar name associated with Candida.

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Other malignancies, severe weight loss, bouts of diarrhea, chronic rashes, and the decline in general mental functionality. As the virus develops so the CD4 cell count in the sufferer’s blood declines.

Although the risk of HIV infection remains small with the right protection and abstaining from certain lifestyles, it can remain a concern for many people. If you have any concerns about the HIV infection, or similarly AIDS, then you should speak with your pediatrician as soon as possible. A HIV test remains the most viable way to check for infection.