Signs and Symptoms of HIV

Signs and symptoms of HIV are slightly different in men and women. This article will give you insights about one of the most deadliest diseases on the planet earth.

AIDS (Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome) is a dreaded Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) which is caused by a virus HIV (Human Immuno Deficiency Virus). The main reason for the cause of aids is unprotected sex or having multiple partners. In many cases, AIDS has also been spread through blood transfusions and with the use of infected needles. Last but not the least, HIV virus is also one of the prime causes of the spread of AIDS in humans. When the virus enters the human body it weakens the immune system, but signs and symptoms of HIV are not visible in the initial stages, as they are very mild in nature.

Early Signs and Symptoms of HIV Infection

Signs and symptoms of HIV differ from person to person. While some may show immediate symptoms, others may take time. Usually, early HIV symptoms may be common cold or cough or in some cases mild fever. If HIV symptoms are detected early, an effective diagnosis is possible.

Depression is one of the most common symptom of HIV. We all have our days when we feel low, but sometimes the phase of depression lasts for a few weeks. It's better to get your routine check up done.

We all have stale, pasty and bad tasting coat in your mouth when you get up. It's called a thrush. Normally, it goes off with one good brushing session. People with HIV infection have a regular occurrence of this coat even after brushing their teeth.

Drastic weight loss is a common early symptom of HIV infection. If suddenly you see yourself losing pounds for no apparent reason, then it's better to have a blood test done.

Your eyes suffer from constant pressure which makes it hard for you to concentrate. You always have an exploding feeling in your head. A sinus infection is also a common symptom of HIV.

Early Signs and Symptoms of HIV in Women

Symptoms of HIV in women are slightly different from men. Early symptoms of HIV in women can be a change in skin, feeling of fatigue and drastic weight loss. HIV symptoms also depend on the immune system of a woman. Some typical symptoms are loss of appetite, persistent headache, sweating at night and a constant urge to go to the rest room. Woman having physical contacts without protection are on a greater risk of getting HIV infected. A woman suffering from genital herpes is easily susceptible to contracting aids. Women who are suffering from all venereal diseases that cannot be cured, have a greater chance of suffering from AIDS. Women who have sexual relations with multiple partners are often at risk of getting infected by HIV virus.

Signs and Symptoms of HIV in Children

Children who have HIV often suffer from different symptoms than adults. HIV symptoms in children differ from adults simply because adults have healthy immune system and immune system of children is still in developing stages.

Children affected with HIV lose weight very quickly and find it very hard to gain weight again. This drastic weight loss also comes with various illnesses.

HIV positive children often suffer from abnormal growth. This happens because a large part of your body's energy is focused on fighting HIV virus which minimizes the scope of growth of normal development.

HIV positive children are a little slower with mental tasks and may also suffer from difficulties in walking, talking and doing some physical tasks.

Like adults children also are at a risk of developing opportunistic functions if they have HIV.

Signs and Symptoms of HIV AIDS in Men

It may actually take years before HIV virus develops in to AIDS. Till that time a man may not show any symptom of contraction of virus. However, there are a few early HIV symptoms in men that can serve as an indication that you may have AIDS.

Men suffering from HIV will have moderate or mild fever. This fever will be accompanied by a headache.

Another common symptom of HIV is swollen glands. These include any of the lymph glands in the body.

A man suffering from HIV will notice a rash on his body. This can also be a red patch which causes inflammation. Scroll through an article on HIV rash symptoms to gain a better idea.

An advanced sign of HIV in men is diarrhea and loss of weight.

So these were some of the signs and symptoms of HIV in men, women and children. Make sure you always follow a balanced diet for a healthy living. Don't forget to get a routine check up done every 6 months.