Symptoms Of HIV In Men – Early and Later-Stage Signs to Know

Symptoms Of HIV In Men – Early and Later-Stage Signs to Know

Do you think that you may have been infected with HIV? This article provides facts about the diseases and the symptoms that men may have at different infection points.

HIV attacks the immune symptoms in the body, particularly the important helper cell called CD4. The responsibility of this cell is the defense of the body from illness. The immune system cannot completely eject the virus from the body as it does to other viruses.

If a man is infected with HIV, he will normally go through these phases:

• acute illness
• asymptomatic period
• advanced infection

Acute illness

It has been estimated that over 70 percent of newly infected HIV patients, within 2-4 weeks of catching the virus, experience a flu-like illness. It is called an acute viral infection. This is the first stage of the viral infection; it will continue until creating the HIV by the body.

The most common symptoms of acute HIV include:

• body rash
• fever
• sore throat
• severe headaches

Less common symptoms may include:

• fatigue
• swollen lymph nodes
• ulcers in the mouth or on the genitals
• muscle aches
• joint pain
• nausea and vomiting
• night sweats

Symptoms typically last 1 to 2 weeks. If you have several of these symptoms and suspect you may have been infected, schedule an appointment with your doctor and get tested.

Asymptomatic period

After the initial symptoms disappear, HIV may not cause any other symptoms for months or years. During this time, the virus replicates within your body and begins to weaken your immune system. You won’t feel or look sick, but the virus is still active. You can easily transmit it to others. This is why early testing, even when you feel fine, is so important.

Also Read: COVID-19 Alert: Ghana Parliament Shuts As Over 150 Staff Get Infected

Advanced infection

It may take some time, but HIV may eventually break down your immune system. Once this happens, HIV will progress to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), which is the last stage of infection. At this point, your immune system is severely damaged, making you more susceptible to opportunistic infections.

Opportunistic infections are conditions that the body would normally be able to fight off, but that can be life-threatening to people who have HIV. You may notice that you frequently get colds, flu, and fungal infections. You might also experience the following AIDS symptoms:

• nausea
• vomiting
• persistent diarrhea
• chronic fatigue
• rapid weight loss
• cough and shortness of breath
• recurring fever, chills, and night sweats
• rashes, sores, or lesions in the mouth or nose, on the genitals, or under the skin
• prolonged swelling of the lymph nodes in the armpits, groin, or neck
• memory loss, confusion, or neurological disorders

The Top 9 Frequently Asked Questions about Symptoms Of HIV In Men

How Can I Tell if I Have HIV? Are There Symptoms?

As we have explained above, HIV has an asymptomatic stage where the symptom disappears for years. The only method to know your HIV status is through a test.

So you mustn’t delay till symptoms start sprouting up. If you find out you are HIV positive, you will begin treatment immediately as it will increase your chances of not becoming sick.

What If I Test Positive for HIV?

Fast, early treatment and living healthily will prevent you from falling sick. HIV is now a treatable illness, and drugs are available to keep HIV patients from becoming fatally ill. In most cases, people living with HIV have the same life expectancy as HIV-negative individuals.

So, you must visit your doctor, never skip your HIV drugs and take measures to avoid spreading the HIV to others.

• Sexual intercourse (anal, oral or vaginal) with an HIV-infected person.
• Sharing of sharp objects like needles with an HIV-infected person.
• Childbirth.
• Breastfeeding.

When does a person have AIDS?

AIDS differs from HIV.

AIDS is used to describe the most advanced and complicated stages of HIV infection. So untreated HIV usually develops into AIDs in at least seven to eight years.

Where is HIV found?

HIV can be found in bodily fluids. For example, semen, blood, breast milk, and vaginal fluids.

Can HIV be transmitted through kissing or deep kissing?

The likelihood of HIV being transmitted via kissing is non-existence. Studies have been conducted, and no evidence has been found that HIV can be transmitted through kissing or deep kissing.

Can HIV be transmitted through body piercing or tattooing?

There is a high risk of HIV transmission if you use contaminated tools or share your tools with anybody. If you plan to share tools or instruments, ensure they are properly sterilized and clean.

Is it safe to have sex with someone infected with HIV?

Yes, as long as the virus is suppressed by treatment. Safe sex is the best sex. You can also use pre-exposure prophylaxis based on the instruction of your doctor.

Is it safe for two people living with HIV to engage in unprotected sex exclusively with each other?

To prevent re-infection or infection with another strain of HIV, condoms should be used properly in such a situation.