Symptoms of HIV Infection

HIV or Human Immunodeficiency Virus that can cause AIDs if left untreated. This dangerous and contagious disease has killed 1.2 million people, as of 2014. Nearly 37 million people are now living with HIV. The virus attacks the immune system of the body, allowing opportunistic infections to develop gradually.  People with AIDS need medical treatment to prevent death. The first step to treatment is diagnosing the illness. The only way to know for sure if you have HIV is to get tested. However, it is also important to know the symptoms of HIV virus.


10. Flu-like symptoms

Image Credit: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/95983035786420316/

Image Credit: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/95983035786420316/

This occurs within 2-4 weeks after being infected by the virus. People in good health may not experience these symptoms, or are more likely to ignore them. These symptoms include fever, chills and night sweats. Patients generally treat these symptoms with over-the-counter medications and dismiss them by thinking they have a common cold. They may also get rashes, a sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes. Fatigue and muscle pain are also indications of the early stage of having HIV. These symptoms can last from 3 days to several weeks. This is the most dangerous stage because there is a high risk of unknowingly transmitting it to others.