I. What is HIV?
II. Who is at risk for HIV?
III. Early Symptoms of HIV
IV. When to see a doctor?
V. Importance of getting tested
VI. Conclusion – It’s not too late for an HIV test
Have you noticed your immune system weakening lately? You know that you have a healthy body but lately you get sick so easily and you are experiencing muscle and joint pains. What if I tell you that those are signs of viral infection? Once viruses enter the body, it multiplies inside the body’s healthy cells which is why your immune system weakens. Actually, even though you feel fine, your body is still home to the infection. That’s why it’s important for everyone to take good care of themselves. In this article, we’ll discuss one of the dangerous viral infections that you need to protect yourself from, including its initial symptoms for you to know when to get an HIV test.
What is HIV?
Human immunodeficiency virus, also known as HIV, targets the immune system of the body. It is a infectious disease that spreads by several ways, including:
By having sex – The most common way of HIV transmission is through genital secretions. There’s a high possibility for you to get infected if your infected partner whose body fluid, semen or vaginal discharge enter your body.
By sharing needles – The blood of an infected person can also bring harm to you. You run a high risk of contracting HIV and other infectious diseases like hepatitis if you share infected injection needles and syringes.
From blood transfusions – HIV can also be transmitted through blood transfusions. That's why it’s important to screen the blood supply for HIV to prevent the disease from being passed to other people.
During pregnancy – When an infected woman gets pregnant, she can possibly pass the virus to her baby during her pregnancy. However, she can lower the risk of transmission by getting treatment for the infection.
Who is at risk for HIV?
HIV isn’t a disease that you’ll get from aging. Aside from having it caused by a genetic factor, it is a viral infection that you may get unexpectedly. But the most common cause of transmission is through sexual contact so if you’re someone who engages in unprotected sex or has multiple sexual partners, consider yourself as someone who is at risk of contracting the HIV virus. Being sexually active with someone who is HIV-positive makes you a potential HIV carrier too.
Early symptoms of HIV
These early symptoms are often referred to as primary HIV infection or acute retroviral syndrome. HIV carriers don't experience the same symptoms. But people who are infected usually experience the following:
fever
headache
muscle aches and joint pain
sore throats and mouth sores
skin rash
night sweats
swollen lymph nodes
diarrhea
The early symptoms might occur within 2 to 4 weeks of contracting the virus. Your body's immune system fights back at this point. They usually last a week or two before disappearing.
When to see a doctor?
Since HIV signs and symptoms are similar to those of other viral infections, it’s normal for a person to not immediately recognize their HIV infection. And the mere presence of these signs does not necessarily mean you have HIV infection. That’s why it’s important to get tested even if you are symptom-free but believe you may have come into touch with the virus.
Early diagnosis is key. You can’t rely on the symptoms alone to know if you have contracted the virus or not. It’s better to seek your health care provider as soon as possible. Isn't it more believable if the doctor will be the one to tell you that you have or haven’t been infected with HIV? If you’re really HIV positive it’ll be good coz you found it out before it gets worse. The sooner you find out your HIV, the sooner you can begin your treatment.
Importance of getting tested
HIV is a disease that cannot be cured but with the help of HIV treatment (called antiretroviral therapy or ART), people with HIV can remain healthy for many years. Without treatment, your HIV will get worse over time and eventually weakens the immune system. This leads to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) which is a life-threatening condition. Seeking medical care right away benefits you and your partner as it prevents the progression of HIV to AIDS. Taking an HIV test also prevents transmission to others through other ways. Once you’re aware that you are HIV positive you’ll probably be more careful about the injections you used and you wouldn’t dare to let other people use it. Same with donating blood of course you shouldn’t do it anymore.
In fact, you can take an HIV test even if you don’t have symptoms or you are not exposed to someone who has it. It can be part of your monthly health check-up. It’s one way to take care of yourself especially if you’re sexually active. Do it for yourself. It’s your body and nobody will protect it aside from you.
It’s not too late for an HIV test
Once HIV has weakened your immune system, you are more likely to have its symptoms that a healthy body wouldn’t be able to resist. It's important to be aware of the early warning signs of HIV transmission so you can start your treatment right away. HIV can be controlled and prevented from progressing to AIDS by early detection and immediate treatment. So if you want to make sure you’re safe from the danger it brings, consult your doctor for an HIV test.
Credit to the original post: https://www.drtanmedicalcenter.com.sg/std-hiv/hiv-screening-treatment/
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