Individuals that are living with HIV often experience fatigue when they are going through their day-to-day activities. The causes of fatigue are not only related to HIV, there can be other reasons, such as medications, life stress, or psychological effects.
Fatigue can play a significant role in the individual’s quality of life and their well-being. It can also weaken the immune system, which makes HIV progress much more quickly throughout the body.
To have a better understanding of HIV-related fatigue, here are the 3 main causes that you need to know.
1. Anaemia
Anaemia is known as a common blood-related complication due to HIV. Anaemia can cause dizziness, concentration problems, and fatigue in individuals, among other symptoms.
Many research and studies have shown that anaemia is similar to HIV-associated anaemia that can occur as individuals age. Scientists believe that the cause for this is due to the pro-inflammatory cytokines that can lead to inflammation and anaemia in older people.
2. Active HIV
When an individual has contracted HIV, their immune system will respond by fending off the virus. This effort involved in the body can cause fatigue in many individuals, especially when the treatment has barely begun in its early stages. Individuals with HIV can also experience fatigue as the virus impairs their body’s immune system function. To treat these HIV infections, most people take antiretroviral medication, which provides an energy boost to combat HIV-related fatigue.
One of the early symptoms of HIV is fatigue, and it can appear within the first 2 to 4 weeks after the individual has contracted the virus. Other symptoms to look out for include muscle aches, mouth ulcers, chills, swollen lymph nodes, and fever.
3. Stress
One of the significant impacts and causes of fatigue is stress. The Institute of Mental Health in Singapore has shown that the symptoms of stress include fatigue, tiredness, and weakness in individuals. For individuals living with HIV, they are also much more susceptible to stress and likely to face psychological issues like anxiety and depression regarding their health.
As such, it is important to go for HIV testing regularly if you are sexually active for early detection and treatment. Stress management is also important for individuals living with HIV, and it is important as well as to seek support from loved ones and family members.
Conclusion
For individuals who are unsure regarding the exact cause of their fatigue, they can keep a journal to jot down the times where they feel the most tired. Share this information with your doctor so you can identify the cause and receive the right treatment for it.
To know more about how to tackle HIV-related fatigue, HIV causes and HIV-related symptoms, talk to our doctor at Elyon Clinic. Our STD clinic in Singapore offers HIV testing, STD testing or other health screenings to help you stay on top of your health. We also provide other essential healthcare services, such as wart treatment, hair loss, minor surgery and more. Call us at 6802 7208 today and let us know what your health concerns are.