HIV symptoms


HIV symptoms
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a retrovirus that infects T cells and attacks the immune system, resulting in reduced T cell numbers, immune deficiency, and opportunistic infections - the syndrome known as acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). The symptoms of infection vary with both the individual and time. Generally, at the time of exposure and initial infection, the person will experience flu-like symptoms, the signs associated with an immune response against the viral invader. The virus then hides inside the immune cells for a varying period of time. When the viral load increases to a certain point, the T cell count drops, hindering the immune response to other pathogens. HIV infection is mostly asymptomatic until the onset of immunodeficiency when infections that usually do not affect healthy adults begin to appear, with symptoms indicative of the particular disorder. HIV-infected individuals also tend to exhibit weight loss, digestive problems, and swollen lymph nodes. Image: Kaposi's sarcoma, a vascular tumor seen in AIDS patients Symptoms of HIV. by Eutundra Davis Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome is caused by HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). The virus attacks and weakens the immune system - the body's system for fighting infections. When the immune syste...More> 3 articles Write How long does it take to diagnose HIV/AIDS? by Dinah Loa How long does it take to diagnose Human Immunodeficiency Virus or Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Introduction Human Immunodeficiency Virus upon infection of a person needs to be diagnosed at a p...More> Write
	What is acute HIV syndrome? by Arenda Baker Decreased appetite, fatigue, fever, or headache recently? Perhaps some muscle stiffness or aching, along with a feeling of malaise with some swollen lymph glands thrown in? Any unexpected rash or sor...More> Write How my doctor can tell if I have HIV or AIDS by Jennifer Kirkman Being able to tell whether or not a person has HIV or AIDS isn't very difficult. It is really essential to get a diagnosis early on so that treatment can begin and therefore, the outcome is better. S...More> Write Google Images
Opportunistic fungal pneumonia by Tami Port MS Pneumonia occurs when the air sacs and small airways in the lungs fill with liquid and cannot function properly. When gas exchange is impeded, the body cannot take in oxygen as it normally would. Oxyg...More> Write Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP): Diagnosis and treatment by Erich Rosenberger M.D. Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia is a form of pneumonia caused by a fungus. The classification of this fungus has undergone some changes over the years. In the past it was referred to as pneumocystis c...More> Write HIV Signs and Symptoms by Phase of Infection Physical symptoms Acute (early) phase: fever, swollen lymph nodes, rash, fatigue, headache Latent (middle) phase: asymptomatic, can last a decade or more Early symptomatic (late) stage: weight loss, diarrhea, headache, fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat and muscles, skin disorders Final stage - AIDS: opportunistic infections (e.g., pneumocystis carnii pneumonia, thrush, candidiasis and cryptococcus fungal infection, kaposi's sarcoma (vascular tumor), tuberculosis, toxoplasmosis, simultaneous herpes simplex infection) Clinical signs Latent phase: Presence of HIV antibody, decreasing CD4 T cell count, RNA test indicating presence of the virus. AIDS: CD4 count <200 and presence of opportunist infections or positive HIV antibody/RNA test
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Quick Facts

HIV infection does not have definitive physical symptoms until late in the disease, though blood tests can monitor T cell levels and viral load (the amount of virus in the blood).