Identifying HIV Early: Essential Facts
HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, is a virus that attacks the immune system, leaving individuals vulnerable to infections and diseases. In the chronic infection stage, people may not experience any symptoms for years, making it crucial to understand the early signs, diagnosis, and prevention methods.
HIV can be detected in the body using antibody tests, which can identify the presence of the virus around 18-90 days after initial exposure. The only self-test approved by the FDA is an antibody test. If early symptoms are suspected, prompt HIV testing and initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) are crucial to manage the infection and prevent progression to AIDS.
Common early signs and symptoms of HIV infection typically appear within 2 to 4 weeks after exposure and often resemble a flu-like illness known as acute retroviral syndrome (ARS). These symptoms include persistent fever, swollen lymph nodes, chills, muscle and joint pains, profuse night sweats, rash, headache, fatigue, sore throat, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, mouth ulcers, or oral thrush. Neurological symptoms such as peripheral neuropathy or Guillain–Barré syndrome can occur, though less commonly.
For males, early signs may involve discomfort during sexual contact, erectile dysfunction, genital sores, penile discharge, chest swelling, or infertility. For females, early symptoms might include recurrent vaginal yeast infections with foul discharge, pelvic inflammatory disease, pain during sex or urination, menstrual irregularities, HPV infection, or infertility.
It is important to note that not everyone experiences early symptoms; some people remain asymptomatic for years despite the virus being active and transmissible. During acute HIV infection, there are many viral particles circulating in the bloodstream, making it easier for the virus to spread to others.
Prevention methods include using condoms during sex, ensuring that all needles are new and clean before any form of injection, taking HIV medication while pregnant to avoid newborn HIV infection, and seeking medical care early in pregnancy for people who are HIV-positive.
In 2012, the first approved a fixed-dosed tablet for use as preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP), an antiretroviral medication that can help prevent people from developing HIV infection. Taking PrEP once per day reduces the chance of getting HIV during sexual intercourse by about 99%. PrEP is also available as an injectable.
People with HIV can lead full, healthy lives with regular testing, diagnosis, and treatment. If an HIV exposure event is suspected, prompt medical attention is essential. Taking PEP within 72 hours of exposure can diminish the chance of developing HIV.
Today, many people with HIV who receive care can experience a similar lifespan to those without HIV. With modern HIV treatment, it is less common for people to experience the final, most severe stage of HIV, AIDS. However, symptoms people with AIDS may experience include quick, significant weight loss, sores in different areas of the body, chronic diarrhea, pneumonia, an ongoing cough, regular, severe infections.
Anyone with a high likelihood of contracting HIV should talk with a doctor about PrEP to determine if it is the right preventative measure for them. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent progression to the next stage of HIV, ensuring a better quality of life for those affected.
- HIV can be detected in the body using antibody tests, which are crucial for early identification of the virus, often within 18-90 days after initial exposure.
- The only self-test approved by the FDA is an antibody test, making it accessible for individuals to self-test for HIV within the comfort of their homes.
- Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is essential for managing HIV infection and preventing progression to AIDS, especially when initiated promptly after diagnosis.
- In the early stages of HIV infection, common symptoms include persistent fever, swollen lymph nodes, rash, headache, fatigue, and other flu-like illnesses known as acute retroviral syndrome (ARS).
- Mental health is also an important aspect of overall health and wellness, which often overlooked when discussing HIV; people living with HIV may benefit from support and resources to manage mental health-related issues.
