When it comes to HIV infection, it’s important to know what early symptoms to look for. Early detection of the infection can help ensure that you receive prompt treatment to control the virus and to possibly slow the progression into AIDS.
10 Common Symptoms
1. Early symptoms
In the early weeks after becoming infected with HIV, it’s not uncommon for people to be without symptoms. Some people may have mild flu-like symptoms, including:
- fever
- headache
- lack of energy
2. Skin rashes and skin sores
Most people with HIV develop skin problems. Rash is the most common symptom of HIV. In a person with HIV, the skin can become extremely sensitive to irritants and sunlight. A rash may appear as a flat red patch with small bumps, and skin may become flaky.
3. Swollen glands
We all have lymph nodes throughout our bodies, including the neck, back of the head, armpits, and groin. As part of the immune system, our lymph nodes fend off infections by storing immune cells and filtering for harmful substances
4. Infections
HIV makes it harder for the immune system to fight off germs, so it’s easier for opportunistic infections to take hold. Some of these include pneumonia, tuberculosis, and hepatitis C. People with HIV are more prone to infections of the skin, eyes, lungs, kidneys, digestive tract, and brain. It may also be more difficult to treat common ailments like the flu.
5. Fever and night sweats
People infected with HIV may experience long periods of low-grade fever. A temperature between 99.8°F and 100.8°F (37.6°C and 38.2°C) is considered to be a low-grade fever. Your body develops a fever when something is wrong, but the cause isn’t always obvious.
6. Menstrual changes
Women with HIV can have changes to their menstrual cycle. Your period may be lighter or heavier than normal, or you may not have a period at all. You may also have more severe premenstrual symptoms.
7. Bacterial and yeast infections
Bacterial and yeast infections may be more common in women who are HIV-positive. They may also be harder to treat.
8. S#xually transmitted infections (STIs)
- HIV also increases your risk of getting STIs, including:
- chlamydia
- trichomoniasis
- gonorrhea
- human papillomavirus (HPV), which can lead to genital warts or even cervical cancer
9. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
PID is an infection of your uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. PID in HIV-positive women may be harder to treat. Also, symptoms may last longer than usual or return more often.
10. Advanced symptoms of HIV and AIDS
As HIV progresses, symptoms can include:
- diarrhea
- nausea and vomiting
- weight loss
- severe headache
- joint pain
- muscle aches
- shortness of breath
- chronic cough
- trouble swallowing
Source From healthline.com