Thursday, April 25, 2024

What Are The First Signs Of Hiv Infection

Whats The Pr Campaign Trying To Hide

What are signs & symptoms of HIV infection? – Dr. Ramakrishna Prasad

Were looking at several big puzzle pieces here:

  • Prince Harry and others reminding everyone about the importance to get tested for HIV
  • U.K. and U.S. governments simultaneously promising to eradicate AIDS by 2030
  • The discovery of a new, more infectious and dangerous HIV strain
  • Emerging data suggesting the COVID jabs erode your immune function
  • The theoretical possibility that the COVID jab might raise peoples risk of HIV infection, thus possibly triggering an avalanche of AIDS cases in the near future
  • Could the focus on HIV testing, especially in combination with the warning of a new HIV strain, be an effort to hide the fact that the COVID jabs are destroying peoples immune function, and possibly promoting HIV infection?

    Perhaps. But theres also another possibility. The same week as Prince Harrys media appearance and the publication of the new HIV strain, Moderna also announced its launch of a human trial for the worlds first mRNA HIV vaccine. The timing of all of these reports strongly indicate that this is a coordinated PR plan.

    Days To 20 Years After Exposure

    The chronic stage of infection occurs once the immune system brings the virus under control. During this phase, HIV will go into hiding, where it resides in various cells and tissues throughout the body in a dormant state known as latency. HIV latency can persist without symptoms for 10 years or more, although some people may experience signs within a year or two.

    During the early chronic phase, lymphadenopathy may be the only notable sign of an HIV infection. In some cases, the glands may be visibly enlarged and reach up to an inch or more in size. If the condition persists for more than three months, its referred to as persistent generalized lymphadenopathy .

    Even during latency, the virus will multiple imperceptibly and gradually deplete immune cells known as CD4 T-cells. As immune deficiency develops, a number of nonspecific symptoms are likely to appear, including:

    • Oral candidiasis , a fungal infection that causes the formation of creamy, white lesions on the sides of the tongue and lining of the mouth
    • Unexplained fevers and drenching night sweats that soak through bedsheets and nightclothes
    • Severe, uncontrolled diarrhea that lasts for more than three days

    Each of these symptoms is commonly seen in persons with immune deficiency. They may, in some cases, be caused by HIV itself or by an infection that has yet to be diagnosed.

    Getting Tested And Treated For Hiv

    “All adolescents and adults who are sexually active should get screened for HIV as part of their routine primary care,” says Akselrod. “Blood tests for HIV are now extremely accurate both sensitive and specific and can detect HIV, even within the first two to four weeks after becoming infected.”

    Here are some tools to help you find HIV testing sites and care services near you:

    You can also get tested at sexual health or family planning clinics, your health care provider’s office, or other local health centers.

    If you test positive for HIV, you’ll need to take antiretroviral therapy to manage your condition. This medicine can lower the amount of HIV in your blood to the point that a test can no longer detect it, which is known as being “undetectable” or having an “undetectable viral load.”

    Important: Pre-exposure prophylaxis and post-exposure prophylaxis both help you avoid contracting HIV, but PrEP is taken by people who may be exposed to HIV in the future whereas PEP is taken by those who were already exposed to HIV within the past 72 hours.

    “As long as they take it regularly, the virus is completely controlled and the person can have a normally functioning immune system,” says Rana. Being undetectable also means that there is no risk of transmitting HIV to other people.

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    Signs You Have Hiv Without Knowing It If You Notice 5 Visits A Doctor

    https://www.healthline.com/health/hiv-aids/early-signs-hiv-infection

    There are now a few million individuals all things considered living with H.I.V., and around 1.8 million of them are youths who contract the problem by their moms or teenagers who are really foolish.

    One out of eight individuals who are polluted with HIV dont comprehend they have HIV. No matter what how there is no solution for AIDS whenever saw early, antiretroviral treatment or ART can concede the issue and permit transporters to lead truly standard lives and too being asymptomatic. The best method for realizing without a doubt tolerating that you have HIV is by going for a test. Here are signs you might have HIV without knowing it.

    How Early Can You Test For Hiv

    Symptoms Of Hiv Infection Infographic Stock Illustration ...

    Typically, HIV takes at least a month from exposure to show up in tests but there are new HIV early detection tests that can identify an infection up to 7 days after exposure. Early detection screenings are not traditionally offered at HIV testing facilities so be sure to inquire before as to whether or not it is a provided test.

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    Diagnosis In Men Vs Women

    Doctors diagnose HIV in both men and women by testing a blood or saliva sample, although they could also test a urine sample. This test looks for antibodies produced by the person to fight the virus. The test typically takes around 3 to 12 weeks to detect antibodies.

    Another test looks for HIV antigens, which are substances that the virus produces immediately after transmission. These antigens cause the immune system to activate. HIV produces the p24 antigen in the body even before antibodies develop.

    Usually, both the antibody and the antigen tests are done in labs, but there are also home tests that people can take.

    Home tests may require a small sample of blood or saliva, and their results are quickly available. If the test is positive, it is essential to confirm the results with a doctor. If the test is negative, a person should repeat it after a few months to confirm the results.

    Herpes Simplex Or Cold Sores

    Fighting off infections and viruses is more difficult for a person with HIV. One of the most common viruses that people have is herpes simplex, or oral herpes. Oral herpes usually appears as red sores in the mouth.

    When they appear outside the lips, they may look like blisters. Nicknamed fever blisters, these red, raised bumps can be painful. Theyre also known as cold sores.

    Anyone can get oral herpes, but in someone with HIV or a weakened immune system, oral herpes may be more severe and last longer.

    Treatment: Oral herpes is treatable with medication. A healthcare provider will likely prescribe acyclovir, an antiviral treatment. This medication helps reduce new outbreaks.

    Continue to take any prescription medications until a healthcare provider indicates otherwise.

    Contagious? Yes. People with herpes may want to avoid sharing foods.

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    Stage : Clinical Latency

    In this stage, the virus still multiplies, but at very low levels. People in this stage may not feel sick or have any symptoms. This stage is also called chronic HIV infection.

    Without HIV treatment, people can stay in this stage for 10 or 15 years, but some move through this stage faster.

    If you take HIV medicine every day, exactly as prescribed and get and keep an undetectable viral load, you can protect your health and have effectively no risk of transmitting HIV to your sexual partner.

    But if your viral load is detectable, you can transmit HIV during this stage, even when you have no symptoms. Its important to see your health care provider regularly to get your viral load checked.

    Common And Uncommon Symptoms Of Early Hiv

    early sign and symptoms of hiv that you must know (hiv symtoms)

    Anywhere from 23% to 92% of newly infected individuals will experience signs of acute retroviral syndrome . ARS is simply the body’s response to HIV as it mounts a defense against the viral invader, with the ensuing inflammation causing symptoms similar to that of the flu.

    Fever, fatigue, headache, sore throat, swollen lymph glands, and muscle/joint pain are not uncommon features of ARS. Others might develop a rash , which can manifest with bumpy patches, generally on the upper half of the body. Still others might experience short-term nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain.

    While these are considered the most common signs of ARS, an increasing body of evidence seems to suggest that some might experience more serious conditions, even life-threatening ones.

    In 2015, scientists with the Zurich Primary HIV Prevention Study in Switzerland aimed to establish the range and frequency of symptoms that can occur during acute HIV infection. According to the research, not only were they able to identify 18 different illnesses or conditionsfar more than had been previously establishedthey reported a significant number has been missed in initial diagnosis.

    Only patients identified during early infection were included, defined as:

    Perhaps of more concern, almost half of these cases received a diagnosis other than HIV before finally being tested for the virus.

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    What To Look For

    Whether caused by an HIV medication or by HIV itself, the rash typically appears as a red, flattened area on the skin thats usually covered with small red bumps.

    A main symptom of the rash is itchiness. It can show up on any part of the body, but it most often occurs on the face and chest, and sometimes on the feet and hands. It can also cause mouth ulcers.

    Is There A Period When The Virus Isnt Transmittable

    HIV is transmittable soon after its introduced into the body. During this phase, the bloodstream contains higher levels of HIV, which makes it easy to transmit it to others.

    Since not everyone has early symptoms of HIV, getting tested is the only way to know if the virus has been contracted. An early diagnosis also allows an HIV-positive person to begin treatment. Proper treatment can eliminate their risk of transmitting the virus to their sexual partners.

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    Early Symptoms In Primary Hiv

    The first noticeable stage is primary HIV infection. This stage is also called acute retroviral syndrome , or acute HIV infection. Because HIV infection at this stage usually causes flu-like symptoms, its possible for someone in this stage to think their symptoms are due to a severe flu rather than HIV. Fever is the most common symptom.

    Other symptoms include:

    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , primary HIV symptoms may show up two to four weeks after initial exposure. Symptoms can continue for up to several weeks. However, some people may exhibit the symptoms only for a few days.

    People with early HIV sometimes dont show any symptoms, yet they can still transmit the virus to others. This is attributed to the fast, unrestrained viral replication that occurs in the early weeks after contracting the virus.

    Signs And Symptoms Of Hiv/aids

    HIV Infection: Signs, Symptoms, and Complications

    The stages of HIV infection are acute infection , latency and AIDS. Acute infection lasts for several weeks and may include symptoms such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, inflammation of the throat, rash, muscle pain, malaise, and mouth and esophageal sores. The latency stage involves few or no symptoms and can last anywhere from two weeks to twenty years or more, depending on the individual. AIDS, the final stage of HIV infection, is defined by low CD4+ T cell counts , various opportunistic infections, cancers and other conditions.

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    Who Needs Hiv Testing

    The CDC advises that routine HIV testing should be provided in all healthcare settings, especially if testing for other sexually transmitted infections at the same time.

    People engaging in behaviors that put them at an increased risk for contracting HIV should be tested at least once a year.

    Known risk factors include:

    HIV testing is also recommended:

    • before a person begins a new sexual relationship
    • if a person learns that theyre pregnant
    • if a person has symptoms of another sexually transmitted infection

    An HIV infection is now considered a manageable health condition, especially if treatment is sought early.

    If a person contracts HIV, early detection and treatment can help:

    • improve their frame of mind
    • lower their risk of disease progression
    • prevent the development of stage 3 HIV, or AIDS

    It can also help reduce their risk of transmitting the virus to other people.

    The life expectancy of people with an HIV diagnosis who start treatment early is the same as those without the virus. People who know that theyve been exposed to HIV should seek care as soon as possible.

    In some cases, if theyre treated within 72 hours, their healthcare professional may prescribe post-exposure prophylaxis . These emergency medications may help reduce their chances of contracting HIV after theyve been exposed to it.

    Not all tests require a blood sample or a visit to a clinic.

    This is because it generally takes 3 months for the body to produce a detectable number of antibodies.

    Stage : Acute Hiv Infection

    Within 2 to 4 weeks after infection with HIV, about two-thirds of people will have a flu-like illness. This is the bodys natural response to HIV infection.

    Flu-like symptoms can include:

    • Swollen lymph nodes
    • Mouth ulcers

    These symptoms can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. But some people do not have any symptoms at all during this early stage of HIV.

    Dont assume you have HIV just because you have any of these symptomsthey can be similar to those caused by other illnesses. But if you think you may have been exposed to HIV, get an HIV test.

    Heres what to do:

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    How Is Hiv/aids Transmitted

    Sexual contact

    HIV is spread most commonly by sexual contact with an infected partner. The virus enters the body through the lining of the vagina, vulva, penis, rectum, or mouth during sexual activity.

    Blood contamination

    HIV may also be spread through contact with infected blood. However, due to the screening of blood for evidence of HIV infection in the U.S., the risk of acquiring HIV from blood transfusions is extremely low.

    Needles

    HIV is often spread by sharing needles, syringes, or drug use equipment with someone who is infected with the virus. Transmission from patient to healthcare worker, or vice-versa through accidental sticks with contaminated needles or other medical instruments, is rare.

    Mother-infant

    HIV also can be spread to babies born to, or breastfed by, mothers infected with the virus.

    HIV/AIDS cannot be spread through:
    • Saliva

    • Casual contact, such as sharing food utensils, towels, and bedding

    • Swimming pools

    • Biting insects

    What Are The 3 Stages Of Hiv When Does Hiv Infection Transition To Aids

    Medical Conditions & Symptoms : What Are the First Symptoms of HIV?

    There are 3 stages of HIV infection.

    • Stage 1: Flu-like symptoms after initial HIV infection
    • Stage 2: Clinically latency may last for 10 or more years in some individuals
    • Stage 3: After HIV reactivation and/or HIVs progressive attack on the immune system, the damaged immune system has a reduced or an inability to protect the individual from serious infections and other illnesses. This stage is termed AIDS. In this stage, lab testing reveals high viral loads and CD4 counts < 200 cells/mm3.

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    Latency Causes A Break In Symptoms

    After initial exposure and possible primary infection, HIV may transition into a stage called clinically latent infection. Its also referred to as asymptomatic HIV infection due to a noticeable lack of symptoms. This lack of symptoms includes possible chronic symptoms.

    According to HIV.gov, latency in HIV infection can last for 10 or 15 years. This doesnt mean that HIV is gone, nor does it mean that the virus cant be transmitted to others. Clinically latent infection may progress to the third and final stage of HIV, also referred to as AIDS.

    The risk for progression is higher if a person with HIV isnt receiving treatment, such as antiretroviral therapy. Its important to take prescribed medications during all stages of HIV even if there arent any noticeable symptoms. There are several medications used for HIV treatment.

    What Is An Hiv Test

    A confidential HIV test can be performed by your doctor. There are three types of tests that look at your bodily fluids to check for signs of HIV: nucleic acid tests , antigen/antibody tests, and antibody tests.

    • NAT tests require drawing your blood to look for both the presence of HIV and how much of the virus is present, known as your viral load. The benefit of a NAT test is that it can detect HIV earlier than other types of tests. The downside is that these tests are very expensive. Typically, we use this test if youre exhibiting HIV infection symptoms or if youve had a high risk of exposure to the virus.
    • Antigen/Antibody tests also draw blood, although there is a rapid test that requires a finger stick. This type of testing searches for antibodies that are produced in the blood by your immune system to fight the HIV invading cells. If HIV is in your body, you will produce an antigen called p24. The test looks for p24 as well as the antibodies that signal your body is fighting the infection.
    • HIV Antibody tests just look for antibodies to HIV in your blood or oral fluids. These tests also require blood to be drawn from a vein.

    The time for receiving test results spans several days to less than a few hours. Talk with your doctor about what type of test is right for you.

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