Do you know the characteristics of HIV and AIDS in women? The HIV virus (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is still a scourge on society. HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system, making it more difficult for the body to fight infection and disease. Meanwhile, AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is the most advanced stage of HIV infection.
The HIV and AIDS viruses do not attack suddenly. Of course there are causes and symptoms shown when someone is infected with this virus.
AIDS occurs when the immune system is severely weakened, making people susceptible to opportunistic infections and certain cancers that normally do not harm healthy people.
To date, there is no cure for HIV, but there are effective treatments to help mothers with HIV live long and healthy lives. It is important to remember that HIV and AIDS do not have specific symptoms that differ between men and women. Viruses and their effects are almost the same without the exception of gender.
However, there are several characteristics of HIV and AIDS in women that you need to be aware of. Come on, try it, read the explanation here!
Stage 1: Acute infection
Quoting from Healthline, this initial stage is usually seen after 2 to 4 weeks of contracting HIV and is the point at which a person is most infectious.
The body responds to the virus, usually producing flu-like symptoms. In some cases, the symptoms are so mild that you may not even notice them. The following are some general characteristics of HIV that occur in the acute stage.
1. Swollen glands
Swollen lymph nodes are often one of the early signs of HIV and can last for several months. Lymph nodes are located throughout the body, including the neck, back of the head, armpits, and thighs.
As part of the immune system, they fend off infections by harboring immune cells and filtering out pathogens. When HIV starts to spread in the body, the immune system starts working. The impact is enlargement of the lymph nodes.
2. Sore throat
Sore throat is a common symptom in the early stages of HIV infection. This may last several days, weeks, or even months in rare cases.
3. Canker sores in the mouth
Thrush can also occur in the early stages and may be the first sign of infection. However, this may also happen when HIV has progressed to the next stage.
They may appear as cream-colored plaques on the tongue, roof of the mouth, or lips that often pale and leave a red surface beneath. Others may experience red boils on the inside of the cheeks and lips that are painful.
4. Skin rash
Most people with HIV develop skin disease. Rashes are a common symptom and different types can appear on the skin. This may be a symptom of HIV itself or the result of a concurrent infection or condition.
5. Sweating at night
Some mothers experience night sweats in the first month after contracting HIV. This disease occurs when the body tries to fight infection while sleeping. Other symptoms, such as fever, usually accompany night sweats.
However, fever can also appear by itself. Please understand, a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) is considered a fever.
6. Muscle pain
One of the most disturbing symptoms for many HIV sufferers is that muscles begin to ache in the first few weeks after infection. This is often caused by flu-like symptoms.
Some people may experience other flu-like symptoms, such as headaches, lack of energy, and chills. This often goes away within a few weeks.
Stage 2: Chronic infection
Also known as the asymptomatic stage, chronic HIV infection is the stage where the virus remains at low levels in the body. Some people show no symptoms at all during this period, even though the virus is still replicating. This can last for several years.
Others may experience more severe symptoms than those experienced in the acute stage. Starting from coughing and fatigue to weight loss and diarrhea. High fever is also possible.
Tahap 3: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
AIDS is the most severe stage of HIV, where the body’s immune system is very weak. It becomes more difficult for the body to ward off certain infections known as opportunistic infections.
HIV facilitates the occurrence of opportunistic infections. Some of these, including pneumonia, tuberculosis, oral or vaginal candidiasis, fungal infections (a type of candidiasis), and bacterial infections may be more common in AFAB people and more difficult to treat.
In general, people with uncontrolled HIV are also more susceptible to skin, eye, lung, kidney, digestive tract and brain infections. If HIV is not controlled, the risk of certain cancers will also increase.
7. Menstrual changes
People with HIV may eventually experience changes in their menstrual cycles. Menstruation may be lighter or heavier than usual, or there may be no menstruation at all. More severe premenstrual symptoms have also been found.
8. Other characteristics
If HIV progresses to AIDS, other symptoms include:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weight loss
- Severe headache
- Joint pain
- Muscle ache
- Hard to breathe
- Chronic cough
- Difficulty swallowing
- Severe night sweats and chills
- Short-term memory loss
- Mental confusion
- Come
These are the characteristics of HIV and AIDS in women that should not be ignored. Immediately consult a doctor if you suspect that you or a family member has HIV.
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(son/son)
2024-02-07 14:50:14
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