Do you think that you may have been infected with HIV? This article provides facts about the diseases and the symptoms that men may have at different infection points.
HIV attacks the immune symptoms in the body, particularly the important helper cell called CD4. The responsibility of this cell is the defense of the body from illness. The immune system cannot completely eject the virus from the body as it does to other viruses.
If a man is infected with HIV, he will normally go through these phases:
- acute illness
- asymptomatic period
- Advanced Infection
Acute illness
It has been estimated that over 70 percent of newly infected HIV patients, within 2-4 weeks of catching the virus, experience a flu-like illness. It is called an acute viral infection. This is the first stage of the viral infection; it will continue until creating the HIV by the body.
The most common symptoms of acute HIV include:
- body rash
- fever
- sore throat
- severe headaches
Less common symptoms may include:
- fatigue
- swollen lymph nodes
- ulcers in the mouth or on the genitals
- muscle aches
- joint pain
- nausea and vomiting
- night sweats
Symptoms typically last 1 to 2 weeks. If you have several of these symptoms and suspect you may have been infected, schedule an appointment with your doctor and get tested.
Asymptomatic period
After the initial symptoms disappear, HIV may not cause any other symptoms for months or years. During this time, the virus replicates within your body and begins to weaken your immune system. You won’t feel or look sick, but the virus is still active. You can easily transmit it to others. This is why early testing, even when you feel fine, is so important.
Advanced infection
It may take some time, but HIV may eventually break down your immune system. Once this happens, HIV will progress to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), which is the last stage of infection. At this point, your immune system is severely damaged, making you more susceptible to opportunistic infections.
Opportunistic infections are conditions that the body would normally be able to fight off, but that can be life-threatening to people who have HIV. You may notice that you frequently get colds, flu, and fungal infections. You might also experience the following AIDS symptoms:
- nausea
- Vomiting
- persistent diarrhea
- chronic fatigue
- rapid weight loss
- cough and shortness of breath
- recurring fever, chills, and night sweats
- rashes, sores, or lesions in the mouth or nose, on the genitals, or under the skin
- prolonged swelling of the lymph nodes in the armpits, groin, or neck
- memory loss, confusion, or neurological disorders
The Top 9 Frequently Asked Questions about Symptoms Of HIV In Men
How Can I Tell if I Have HIV? Are There Symptoms?
As we have explained above, HIV has an asymptomatic stage where the symptom disappears for years. The only way to know your HIV status is through a test.
So you mustn’t delay till symptoms start sprouting up. If you find out you are HIV positive, you will begin treatment immediately, increasing your chances of not becoming sick.
What If I Test Positive for HIV?
Fast, early treatment and living healthily will prevent you from falling sick. HIV is now a treatable illness, and drugs are available to keep HIV patients from becoming fatally ill. In most cases, people living with HIV have the same life expectancy as HIV-negative individuals.
So, you must visit your doctor, never skip your HIV drugs and take measures to avoid spreading HIV to others.
Can I Get HIV From Anal Sex?
Anal sex is high-risk sexual engagement. Without using a condom, it is straightforward to contract HIV via anal sex
So while engaging in anal sex, make sure you use a condom, and since a condom may break in the course of anal sex, use plenty of lubricants.
Where Can I Get an HIV Test?
You can do an HIV test in hospitals, medical laboratories, and other HIV test centers around the country.
How Is HIV Passed From One Person to Another?
Some of how HIV is transmitted include:
- Sexual intercourse (anal, oral or vaginal) with an HIV-infected person.
- Sharing of sharp objects like needles with an HIV-infected person.
- Childbirth.
- Breastfeeding.
When does a person have AIDS?
AIDS differs from HIV.
AIDS is used to describe the most advanced and complicated stages of HIV infection. So untreated HIV usually develops into AIDs in at least seven to eight years.
Where is HIV found?
HIV can be found in bodily fluids. For example, semen, blood, breast milk, and vaginal fluids.
Can HIV be transmitted through kissing or deep kissing?
The likelihood of HIV being transmitted via kissing is non-existent. Studies have been conducted, and no evidence has been found that HIV can be transmitted through kissing or deep kissing.
Can HIV be transmitted through body piercing or tattooing?
There is a high risk of HIV transmission if you use contaminated tools or share your tools with anybody. If you plan to share tools or instruments, ensure they are properly sterilized and clean.
Is it safe to have sex with someone infected with HIV?
Yes, as long as the virus is suppressed by treatment. Safe sex is the best sex. You can also use pre-exposure prophylaxis based on the instruction of your doctor.
Is it safe for two people living with HIV to engage in unprotected sex exclusively with each other?
To prevent re-infection or infection with another strain of HIV, condoms should be used properly in such a situation.
What Will Happen If I Contract AIDS?
When you are diagnosed with HIV, your immune system begins to deteriorate. Your immune system is responsible for your body’s ability to resist infection and disease.
This takes a long time to occur. However, if it happens, it can progress to AIDS and death.
When somebody develops AIDS, their immune system is severely weakened, and they are unable to fight viruses or bacteria. And it doesn’t have the ability to prevent some cancers in the same way that a healthy immune system can.
While AIDS causes people to die swiftly, HIV infections are treated. With the proper medication, you can live a long and healthy life.
How Long Does It Take for HIV to Cause AIDS?
Prior to the development of antiretroviral drugs, scientists estimated that half of HIV patients would develop AIDS within ten years of infection.
Current pharmacological therapy, on the other hand, has drastically improved the prognosis for HIV patients.
If you begin taking HIV medications as soon as you are infected, maintain all of your appointments with your doctor, and adhere to your treatment plan, you may never experience any HIV-related symptoms.
What Happens If I Test HIV Positive?
A healthy lifestyle combined with timely, effective medical treatment can assist you in staying healthy. With the advancement of medical technology, people are now living longer and enjoying greater health than at any other time in human history.
In reality, based on their overall health, HIV-positive people who start and stick to their medications can expect to live nearly as long as folks who don’t have HIV.
You must attend all of your doctor’s check-ups, take your HIV medications exactly as prescribed, and take precautions to prevent others from contracting the virus from you.
Is it necessary for me to tell my parents that I want to be tested if I’m under the age of 18?
That is dependent on your location. You may require your parent’s consent to take a test in some places.
The majority of clinics are private. Your test results will not be shared with anyone else. You can call a clinic ahead of time to inquire about its policies on keeping your test private.
However, it’s a good idea to discuss your concerns with adults you trust. A responsible adult can assist you in weighing your decisions. The adult can also assist you in reflecting on your actions and determining what to do if they put you in danger.