Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the immune system by infecting white blood cells in the body. It can be transmitted through certain bodily liquids like blood, semen, vaginal secretions and breast milk. It is important to note that tears, sweat and saliva, however, do not transmit the virus.
Over time, HIV can severely damage the immune system which makes it harder for the body to fight against infections and diseases. Most people are likely to be familiar with HIV, but not many may exactly know how it affects the body. As such, let’s explore further how the virus affects the body during the initial phase.
What are the initial symptoms?
The earliest phase of the HIV disease is called the acute stage. In this stage, some symptoms that you could experience are similar to that of the flu, such as headaches, fever, fatigue, and muscle pain. Other symptoms that could also arise are flat or raised, reddened bumps on the skin called maculopapular truncal rash and swollen lymph nodes.
Not everyone will likely experience any of these early symptoms of HIV, and if they do, they will vary based on several factors such as age and health status.
In addition, these symptoms are liable to change or worsen as the disease transitions from the acute stage towards the next one, which is the chronic stage. Coughing, weight loss, breathing difficulties, and high fever are a few of the more common ones that have been reported.
What affects HIV progression?
How severe the symptoms show up depend on the extent of the damage the disease has done to the immune system and the progression of the infection. Some people can progress through the phases of HIV more quickly than others.
Several factors that can affect HIV progression is:
- Genetic history
- Age when symptoms start
- When was the diagnosis
- Ability to achieve viral suppression
- Health before treatment
The progression of HIV can be delayed or slowed down by taking antiretroviral medications, undergoing HIV treatments and living a healthy lifestyle.
How can HIV infection be prevented?
As mentioned above, HIV is commonly transmitted by vaginal and anal sex, needle sharing and coming into contact with body fluids. Unless the disease has progressed, HIV does not cause noticeable symptoms until much later.
It is recommended to get an HIV test at least once a year, and to always use a latex barrier when engaging in sexual activities. If someone has been exposed to HIV within the past 72 hours, getting post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) should be highly considered. As symptoms may take years to appear, it’s even more important to get regular STD testing in Singapore for early detection.
Conclusion
Getting tested regularly also can reduce transmission to others and slow down the progression of the diseases. With advances made in HIV treatments, people are living longer with the condition today and more importantly, preventing the disease from progressing to AIDS.
Contact Elyon Clinic at 6802 7208 to address any of your health concerns. We offer sexual health check-up and essential healthcare services including wart removal.