That the symptoms of AIDS and HIV vary, depending on the stage of infection.
Early infection
When the first people infected with HIV, you may have no signs or symptoms at all, although it's more likely to develop flu-like illness a short two to four weeks after infection. Signs and symptoms may include the following:
* Fever
* Headache
* Sore throat
* Swollen lymph glands
* Rush
Even if you do not have symptoms, you are still capable of transmitting the virus to others. Once the virus enters the body, especially the immune system also comes under attack. The virus multiplies in your lymph nodes and slowly begins to destroy T-cells, your helper cell (lymphocytes CD4) - white blood cells that coordinate your entire immune system.
Later in the infection
You may remain free of symptoms for eight or nine years or more. But because the virus is still hit and destroy immune cells, may develop mild infections or chronic symptoms such as:
* Swelling of the lymph nodes - often one of the first signs of HIV infection
* Diarrhea
* Weight loss
* Fever
* Cough, shortness of breath
Latest stage of infection
During the last phase of HIV - which occurs approximately 10 years or more after the initial infection - more serious symptoms may begin to appear, and infection may then meet the official definition of AIDS. In 1993, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention definition of AIDS to mean the existence of HIV as shown by HIV positive antibody test plus at least one of the following:
* The development of opportunistic infections - infections that occur when you have is a weakened immune system - such as pneumonia carinii pneumonia (PCP)
* A CD4 lymphocyte count of 200 or less - The number of the normal 800 to 1,200
By the time AIDS develops, the immune system has been severely damaged, which makes you vulnerable to opportunistic infections. Signs and symptoms of some of these infections may include the following:
* Soaking night sweats
* Shaking chills or fever higher than 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 Celsius) for several weeks
* Dry cough and shortness of breath
* Chronic diarrhea
* Persistent white spots or unusual lesions on your tongue or in your mouth
* Headache
* Lack of clarity of vision and distorted
* Weight loss
You can also start to experience signs and symptoms of infection with HIV in the later stage itself, such as:
* Persistent, unexplained fatigue
* Soaking night sweats
* Shaking chills or fever higher than 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 Celsius) for several weeks
* Swelling of the lymph nodes for more than three months
* Chronic diarrhea
* Persistent headaches
If you are infected with HIV, you are also more likely to develop certain types of cancer, especially Kaposi's sarcoma and cervical cancer and lymphoma, although improved treatments have reduced the risk of these diseases.
Symptoms of HIV in children
Children living with HIV may experience:
* Difficulty in gaining weight
* The increasing difficulty of habit
* Problems walking
* The delay in mental development
* Severe forms of common childhood diseases, such as ear infections (otitis media), pneumonia and tonsillitis
When you go to the doctor
If you think you may be infected with HIV or vulnerable to HIV infection, seek medical advice as soon as possible. Questions to consider are as follows:
* Why should you get tested? The idea of being tested for HIV may be scary. But the test itself does not make you HIV or not infected with the virus, and it is important not only for health but also to prevent transmission of the virus to others. If you engage in high-risk behavior such as unprotected sex or sharing needles during drug use by injection, and get tested for HIV at least annually.
* What if you were pregnant? If you are pregnant, you may want to get tested even if you think you're not in danger. If you are infected with HIV and treatment of antiviral drugs during pregnancy can greatly reduce the chances of transmitting the disease to your child.
* Where can you get tested? You can be tested by a doctor or in hospital, and the Department of Public Health, family planning clinics or other clinics. Many clinics do not charge for testing HIV. Make sure to choose the place where you feel comfortable and that offers counseling before and after the test. Do not let concern about what people may think that prevents you from being tested. For referral, or to determine a date for the testing of HIV in the family planning clinic near you, call 800 - 230 - Plan (800-230-7526). You can also contact your local state or the Ministry of Health.
Q: Do you have your results? All States and U.S. territories report HIV and AIDS test results to state public health officials to assist in tracking the spread of the disease. Most countries reporting on the use of the name, but the results are released only to the Ministry of Health and not to any other person - including the federal government, employers, insurance companies and family members - without your consent. In addition, legal provisions that ensure the highest degree of confidentiality with respect to HIV name-based data. If you are concerned about having your name mentioned, many states offer anonymous testing centers. If you do test positive, seek treatment, however, you are likely to provide your name to your account
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Hiv aids symptom
Labels: Diseases, Womens Issues
Posted by Maryia at 5:42 AM
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