31 Mar 2023 |

Identifying the Early Symptoms of HIV in Males and Females

Are you experiencing HIV symptoms?

HIV is a viral infection that transmits through sexual contact. Read this blog to understand the initial symptoms of HIV in both men and women.

HIV- a closer look

Human Immunodeficiency Virus or HIV is an STI that spreads through the exchange of certain bodily fluids like blood or genital secretions. HIV can transfer to a newborn from the mother at the time of breastfeeding, childbirth and during pregnancy.

HIV invades the immune cells of the body resulting in a compromised immune system. Gradually, it will become Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome if left untreated. AIDS can be life-threatening.

It is absolutely necessary to have HIV testing if you suspect you have been infected. The infection in its early stage is known as acute HIV without AIDS development. Untreated it will result in chronic HIV and AIDS.

Early symptoms for HIV

Initially, people witness flu-like symptoms at the beginning of the infection. Early symptoms of HIV will become evident within 2-4 weeks of contracting the infection. They can last anywhere from a couple of days to several years.

The potential symptoms of acute HIV infection are:

Mouth ulcers
Night sweats
Chills
Cough
Weight loss
Diarrhoea
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
Painful sores in mouth
Sore throat
Skin rash
Joint pain and muscle aches
Headache
Fever

You should consult with a healthcare provider if you have these symptoms and think you might be infected.

Fever

Fever tops the list of initial symptom of HIV infection. It may be accompanied by other potential symptoms like a sore throat, swollen lymph nodes and fatigue.

Fatigue

If you are feeling extremely tired most of the time then it could be because of HIV infection. This infection has the ability to make you short of breath or winded while doing even simple daily chores.

Swollen lymph nodes

Swollen lymph nodes are quite commonly experienced when the body is fighting infection. HIV infection will result in swelling of lymph nodes in the groin, the armpits and the neck and can cause pain too.

Skin rashes

Skin rashes are common symptoms of HIV which you can witness both in early and later stages of the infection. HIV rashes are reddish, itchy and painful. The rashes can appear as pinkish and itchy breakouts. HIV rashes can be flat and red on skin with small bumps.

Digestive issues

Certain digestive problems such as diarrhoea, vomiting and nausea are potential signs of HIV.

Night sweats

Night sweats can happen both as a late and early HIV symptom.

Sore throat and cough

You may develop a severe and dry cough and a sore throat with an HIV infection. Consult with your healthcare provider immediately.

Potential HIV symptoms in females

Mostly, HIV will start exhibiting similar symptoms in both men and women. Women can experience recurring bouts of vaginal yeast infection (vaginal candidiasis).

HIV testing

If you have unprotected sex with an HIV-infected partner then you must have a test. You can have comfortable and discreet testing at STI Clinic London.

The symptoms of AIDS include:

Depression
Memory loss
Purplish, pink, brown, red blotches under or on skin or inside eyelids the nose and mouth
Pneumonia
Sores in genitals, anus and mouth
Chronic diarrhoea
Persistent swelling of lymph glands in neck, groin and armpits
Lethargy
Night sweats
Sudden weight loss

Have your HIV test at STI clinic London

If you want a test for HIV that will be handled with utmost confidentiality then STI Clinic London is there for you. At our clinic we provide private HIV testing for men and women. We deliver accurate results in a short time span so that you can have any necessary treatments at an unbeatable costs.