Symptoms of HIV

Symptoms of HIV

HIV – Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection may be passed on between people in several ways:

1/ by having unprotected sex (anal or vaginal) with someone who has HIV

2/ a mother may pass HIV to her baby in the womb during delivery or through breast feeding

3/ through inoculation (or transfusion) using infected blood or blood product

Symptoms of HIV

The HIV virus invades the white blood cells and multiplies inside them any time between 3 to 12 weeks after exposure to HIV.
People infected with HIV have been known to have symptoms similar to Glandular Fever which may develop with high body temperature, headache and swollen lymph nodes. These symptoms usually disappear, enabling most people with HIV to continue leading normal lives with no obvious effects on their physical health.

Because HIV results in the formation of specific antibodies to the virus (this is when the HIV infected person is referred to as being HIV-positive), the diagnosis may be made from a blood test. It may take 12 weeks for these antibodies to appear and so a negative test result is only relevant if that individual has avoided all high risk activities for at least 12 weeks before the test.

Once an adult is confirmed as being HIV-positive, the antibodies won’t go away but he or she may remain in good health for many years. Currently, the average time for HIV infection to progress to AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is 8 to 10 years. People found to be HIV-positive should take care of their health by eating a varied balanced diet, following a regular exercise routine and using relaxation technique to prevent a build-up of stress.

All these measures will help them stay healthy for longer. They should also take every reasonable precaution to avoid passing HIV on to others.

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