It is one of the most feared diseases in the world. HIV is a disease for which no cure has yet been found. In fact, data in 2020 states that HIV has infected 37.6 million people in the world.
Broadly speaking, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the immune system. Unlike other diseases, once attacked, the virus that causes HIV will continue to live in the body of the infected person. Reported Healthline, this happens because the virus inserts itself into the DNA.
HIV is a progressive disease. Experts used to divide it into three stages. The first is acute HIV infection, chronic HIV, until the last is AIDS. In each stage, the symptoms that arise are different.
The first stage or acute HIV infection is an important moment for identification so that the infection does not get worse quickly. Therefore, know the early symptoms of HIV in the explanation below!
1. Symptoms usually appear 2-6 weeks after infection. Generally, people who are infected will have a fever. This is the body’s response when fighting the virus
2. The higher the body temperature, the sufferer shivers. It feels like cold for no apparent reason
cold illustration (freepik.com/freepik)—
3. The body will also feel incredibly tired. At the same time, sufferers also experience muscle and joint pain. These symptoms make the body weaker
sick woman illustration (pexels.com/Andrea Piacquadio)—
4. Some people with HIV are also reported to experience a red rash that does not itch. Usually these marks appear on areas of the body, such as the abdomen, chest, and back
body rash illustration (prevention.com)—
5. The throat then feels sore, dry, itchy, and uncomfortable to swallow. Usually these symptoms arise because the virus causes inflammation
sore throat illustration (freepik.com/cookie_studio)–
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6. As if not bad enough, sufferers also feel a headache. These symptoms can come and go or last for several days
headache man illustration (pexels.com/Andrea Piacquadio) —
7. Digestion is also disturbed. People with HIV in the early stages usually experience nausea, vomiting, and ulcers. This disease can also cause ulcers (ulcers) in the mouth and esophagus
illustration of girl with stomachache (freepik.com/jcomp)—
8. Early stage HIV can also be characterized by swollen lymph nodes. They are located in the armpits, chin, behind the ears and head, groin, and neck
lymph nodes in the human body (levelandclinic.org)—
9. If you look closely, the early symptoms of HIV described above are very similar to the flu. Usually, this stage lasts for several weeks
illustration of woman sick with flu (freepik.com/diana.grytsku)—
10. In some cases, HIV unfortunately does not cause any symptoms at first. This is actually dangerous because the infection can enter the second stage without our knowledge
HIV tape illustration (freepik.com/master1305)–
The points mentioned above are common symptoms of HIV sufferers. However, it is possible that there are other different symptoms, because everyone’s condition varies.
It should be noted that HIV, even in its first stage, is highly contagious. This applies to people who show symptoms or not. As we know, transmission occurs through the exchange of body fluids. Starting from sexual intercourse, blood transfusions, and the use of shared needles.
The best and most accurate way to identify this disease is through the various HIV tests available in hospitals. Check immediately if you experience symptoms and have done one or more things that have the potential to transmit HIV.
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