Talk To A Healthcare Provider
If a person has HIV, theyâll probably experience one or more of these skin conditions and rashes.
However, getting diagnosed in the early stages of HIV, starting treatment soon after, and adhering to a treatment regimen will help people avoid the more severe symptoms. Keep in mind that many skin conditions associated with HIV will improve with antiretroviral therapy.
Listening To The Gi Tract: Clues To Three Dangerous Toxicities Of Hiv Medications
The medication side effects described above can get in the way of good adherence and may disrupt your daily life. But there are some toxicities associated with HIV medications that can be life-threatening. Your first clue to these serious problems may be GI symptoms, so your best bet is to report any and all GI side effects to your provider.
Lactic Acidosis
Lactic acidosis is a condition associated with NRTIs, especially Videx and Zerit , but Retrovir as well. NRTIs damage mitochondria, which are inside all human cells and use oxygen, fat, and sugar to produce energy for the cells. Mitochondrial damage leads to excess lactate production, which drives up the level of lactic acid in the blood. Lactic acidosis is more common in women, and it may be accompanied by liver abnormalities, including fatty liver. Symptoms of lactic acidosis may include decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain, although many people who experience the condition may not experience or notice the symptoms right away. Your provider can run tests to check the level of lactate in your blood if he or she suspects lactic acidosis.
Pancreatitis
Some HIV medications can cause pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas that is life-threatening. This condition most frequently occurs with Videx , Bactrim, and pentamidine . Pancreatitis can cause abdominal pain which radiates to the back and is worst after eating, sometimes accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
Hepatic Necrosis
How Does Hiv Rash Look Like In Different Skin Colour
It generally looks reddish in light skinned people , whereas in dark skinned HIV rash may appear purplish .
- Muscle aches
- Headache
These symptoms appear because of the war that is raging between the immune cells of the body and the virus . This early stage of HIV is called as Acute HIV and indicates seroconversion. Hence the rashes that appear can be called as seroconversion rash.
Early diagnosis and initiation of treatment for HIV needs to be done in this scenario. Appropriate blood test can help you out to find if you have the virus or not.
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Where Can I Get More Information
For more information on neurological disorders or research programs funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, contact the Institute’s Brain Resources and Information Network at:
Office of Communications and Public LiaisonNational Institute of Neurological Disorders and StrokeNational Institutes of HealthDepartment of Health and Human ServicesBethesda, MD 20892
NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient’s medical history.
All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be freely copied. Credit to the NINDS or the NIH is appreciated.
What Are Hiv And Aids
HIV is the virus that causes AIDS . HIV attacks the immune system by destroying specific white blood cells called CD4 positive T cells that are vital to fighting off infection. The resulting shortage of these cells leaves people infected with HIV vulnerable to other infections and diseases, and additional complications.
AIDS is the final stage of HIV infection. A person infected with HIV is diagnosed with AIDS when he or she has a dangerously low number of CD4+ T cells as well as one or more opportunistic infections, such as some types of pneumonia or tuberculosis, that do not typically affect people with healthy immune systems.
Although HIV infection and AIDS primarily affect the immune system, they also disturb the nervous system and can lead to a wide range of severe neurological disorders, particularly if HIV goes untreated and progresses to AIDS. Many of the most severe neurological conditions can be prevented with antiretroviral therapy. However, even individuals who receive this treatment can develop less severe neurological and cognitive difficulties.
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How Is Hiv Diagnosed
A doctor may suspect HIV if symptoms last and no other cause can be found.
If you have been exposed to HIV, your immune system will make antibodies to try to destroy the virus. Doctors use tests to find these HIV antibodies or antigens in urine, saliva, or blood.
If a test on urine or saliva shows that you are infected with HIV, you will probably have a blood test to confirm the results.
Most doctors use a blood test to diagnose HIV infection. If the test is positive , a test to detect HIV DNA or RNA will be done to be sure.
HIV antibodies may show up in the blood as early as 2 to 4 weeks after contact but can also take as long as 3 to 6 months to show up in the blood. If you think you have been exposed to HIV but you test negative for it:
- Get tested again. A repeat test can be done after a few weeks to be sure you are not infected.
- Meanwhile, take steps to prevent the spread of the virus, in case you do have it.
You can get HIV testing in most doctors’ offices, public health units, hospitals, and HIV care clinics.
Early Signs And Symptoms Of Hiv Infection
For the best prognosis, early detection of an HIV infection is crucial. Stay proactive about your health by learning to identify the seven signs and symptoms of HIV that warrant a prompt visit to your doctor.
Early detection of human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, can help prevent co-infections and dramatically improve prognosis expectations. To accurately detect this type of infection, you must remain highly aware of the behaviors that increase your risk of developing this condition. Also, you must immediately seek care from your doctor if you start to exhibit the initial symptoms of HIV infection.
A sudden, pronounced drop in energy levels can signal the start of an HIV infection. Upon detecting the virus circulating your system, your body mounts an immediate immune response. The immune response can make you feel wiped out for several weeks as your system works hard to reduce or eradicate the viral load.
A major part of your bodys immune response is a marked increase in temperature, or fever, which helps to create an inhospitable environment for the virus in question. Fever temperatures can vary and could be as low as 100 degrees at times. The high temperatures may occasionally break, especially while taking over-the-counter fever reducers but will likely return a few hours later.
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British Columbia Specific Information
Human Immunodeficiency Virus causes an infection that damages the immune system. The immune system is the part of the body that fights infection and disease. If untreated, HIV infection will lead to a serious disease called Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome .
For information on HIV infection and care in British Columbia, visit BC Centre for Disease Control and BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS. For information on HIV drug coverage in B.C., please visit the Ministry of Health BC PharmaCare website.
In B.C. HIV testing guidelines recommend that everyone have an HIV test at least every 5 years. They recommend more frequent testing for people who belong to populations that have a greater chance of having HIV, are pregnant, experience a change in their health that suggests HIV, or if someone requests a test. For information on HIV testing, see HealthLinkBC File #08m HIV and HIV Tests and HealthLinkBC File #38a HIV Testing in Pregnancy.
Musculoskeletal Disorders Are Often Associated With Hiv Infection
People with HIV often experience a wide array of musculoskeletal symptoms secondary to HIV infection. Some studies have shown that approximately 70 percent of HIV patients had bone, joint, or muscle involvement. These musculoskeletal diseases can be a direct effect of the virus or a part of the opportunistic infections that occur in HIV patients because of the weakened immune system.
Ayaz A. Baviji, M.D., and colleagues reviewed the research studying muscle, bone and joint disorders in HIV patients, summarizing their findings in the report “Musculoskeletal Manifestations of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection” published in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons ). Although musculoskeletal involvement may occur at any phase of HIV infection, it more commonly develops in later stages. Nevertheless, 50-70 percent of HIV patients complain of muscle and joint pain at early stages of HIV infection. Therefore, HIV infection should be considered if there is a sudden onset of muscle and joint pain in individuals who have been exposed to HIV.
Muscle disease processes experienced by HIV patients can be inflammatory, infectious, or related to tumor growth. An inflammation of a voluntary muscle , for example, may be the first symptom of HIV. Other muscle diseases may result from drug-induced effects of HIV drugs, primarily azidothymidine , or direct invasion of muscle tissue by HIV.
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Figuring Out The Cause
Everyone has the occasional muscle ache, especially as they age. And many people who exercise or play sports know the benefits of stretching to counteract muscle tightness that comes with physical activity. But people with HIV can experience more serious muscle conditions, including muscle pain, muscle cramping and muscle disorders that result in weakness. The pain often involves the back, hips or lower limbs.
In order to distinguish between minor and more severe muscle problems, it is very important to visit your doctor when any muscle problems develop. This is not a time for self-diagnosis. Your muscle problem could be something relatively minor, but it could also be the result of a serious problem only a doctor can properly diagnose.
Tell your doctor about any muscle weakness, aches or pains you develop so that a proper workup can determine the cause. In particular, it is very important to rule out any neurologic diseases that could be causing your symptoms.
Here Are Some Of The Most Common Indicating Early
Fever: One of the first signs of an HIV infection can be a mild fever, up to about 102F/39C. At this point the virus is moving into the blood stream and starting to replicate in large numbers. You are highly contagious in the early stages of an HIV infection because the undetected, unchecked virus is making millions of copies of itself as it destroys cells your immune system uses to fight disease.
Swollen Lymph Nodes: Lymph nodes often become inflamed, or swollen, when the body is trying to fight an HIV infection. Major lymph nodes are located in the armpit, groin, and neck areas. Often, lymph nodes in the neck are involved, become tender and may be called swollen glands.
Lymph nodes are a part of your lymphatic system. This system plays an important role in your immune system. Lymph, a clear fluid that circulates throughout your body, is partly made of white blood cells that attack bacteria and viruses.
Lymph nodes are located in certain parts of the body, including your neck, groin, and armpits. Theyre shaped like beans and measure no more than 2.5 centimetres long. Your lymph nodes are responsible for filtering lymph and producing mature immune cells.
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What Is An Hiv Rash
Those who suffer from HIV infection , have a low immunity due to the decrease in their immune cells in the blood. When the immunity is low, a host of various organisms such as bacteria, virus, fungus and parasites can invade the body to cause diseases.
Human immunodeficiency virus itself may cause rash. Medications that are used in various infective stages can also be a cause of the rash in an HIV patient.
However, in many cases, rashes can be one among the first of the signs that appear in an HIV infected person . So it is important to be evaluated by your doctor.
Joint Pains And Other Muscle Pains
Joint pains and other muscle related sprains are part of our normal daily life glitches and many times we tend to ignore these pains.
In the case of HIV, the cause of aforementioned pains can be due to the excruciating drug combinations in the event that therapy has begun.
But in case of unrecognized HIV in the body, the joint pains might seem to worsen. The pain would go from mild to severe, at which time it is recommended that you get it checked by the doctors.
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Testing Positive For Hiv
If you test positive, your doctor will complete a medical history and physical examination.
He or she may order several lab tests to check your overall health, including:
- A complete blood count , to identify the numbers and types of cells in your blood.
- A chemistry screen, to measure the blood levels of certain substances and to see how well your liver and kidneys are working.
Other tests may be done to check for current or past infections that may become worse because of HIV. You may be tested for:
What Are The Symptoms Of Hiv
Medically reviewed by
The different stages of HIV
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HIV progresses in three distinct phases, each with very different symptoms
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Acute HIV Symptoms appear flu-like
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Early HIV Symptoms can include slightly swollen lymph nodes
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Late-Stage Symptoms of HIV include weight loss, dry cough, night sweats, cold sores, weakness and confusion or difficulty concentrating
Human immunodeficiency virus is a retrovirus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome . It is an incurable disease that leads to progressive failure of the immune system. With a failed immune system, it leaves you susceptible to other illnesses like pneumonia or cancer.
Signs and symptoms of HIV depend on the stage of infection, and can range from flu-like symptoms early on, to depression, weight loss and fatigue if left untreated.
Early treatment allows HIV patients to lead a normal life. If you have had unprotected sex with a partner who could have HIV, you should get tested. You can use a home HIV test or visit your local doctor.
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How Hiv Is Spread
HIV is spread when blood, semen, or vaginal fluids from an infected person enter another person’s body, usually through:
- Sexual contact. The virus may enter the body through a tear in the lining of the rectum, vagina, urethra, or mouth. Most cases of HIV are spread this way.
- Infected blood. HIV can be spread when a person:
- Is accidentally stuck with a needle or other sharp item that is contaminated with HIV.
HIV may be spread more easily in the early stage of infection and again later, when symptoms of HIV-related illness develop.
A woman who is infected with HIV can spread the virus to her baby during pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding.
Symptom : Night Sweats
Many people will get night sweats during the early stages of HIV. These can be even more common later in infection and arent related to exercise or the temperature of the room.
With such a vast array of symptoms, HIV testing is vital to ensure a proper diagnosis. If you think youve been exposed to HIV, or have an active sex life with casual sex partners, regardless of whether you are showing symptoms of HIV or not, its important to get tested as soon as possible.
If youre in Sydney, you can get a rapid HIV test and STI check-up at a. If youre not in Sydney, you can still get a rapid HIV test and STI check-up using our where to get tested tool here.
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Rash Caused By Hiv Infection: Stage 1
Skin rash in the initial days of the HIV infection is in the form of little non-itchy red bumps that seem to merge.
Up to 80% of people who get HIV experience brief flu-like symptoms about 2 to 6 weeks after they get infected. This is known as acute HIV or seroconversion illness and is the first stage of the infection.
A non-itchy body rash that lasts between 2 and 3 weeks is a common symptom. This maculopapular rash is marked by redness with small bumps that may seem to merge together.45 Fever, joint pain, and swollen glands are among the common symptoms of the first stage of the HIV infection.
Granted, these symptoms can be caused by other things. But its crucial to know that they may also mean your immune system is battling HIV. If you have any of these symptoms and have been exposed to HIV in the past few weeks, get tested. Remember, exposure can happen from unprotected sex or sharing needles.6
Respiratory And Cardiovascular Systems
HIV makes it hard to fight off respiratory problems such as the common cold and flu. In turn, an HIV-positive person may develop related infections, such as pneumonia.
Without treatment for HIV, advanced disease puts an HIV-positive person at an even greater risk for infectious complications, such as tuberculosis and a fungal infection called pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia .
PJP causes trouble breathing, cough, and fever.
The risk of lung cancer also increases with HIV. This is due to weakened lungs from numerous respiratory issues related to a weakened immune system.
According to available research , lung cancer is more prevalent among people with HIV compared to people without it.
People with HIV are more likely to develop high blood pressure. HIV also raises the risk of pulmonary arterial hypertension . PAH is a type of high blood pressure in the arteries that supply blood to the lungs. Over time, PAH will strain the heart and can lead to heart failure.
If a person has HIV with a low CD4 count, theyre also more susceptible to tuberculosis .
TB is an airborne bacterium that affects the lungs. Its a leading cause of death in people who have AIDS. Symptoms include chest pain and a bad cough that may contain blood or phlegm. The cough can linger for months.
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