Julien Giles is a freelance writer and works with a non profit organization to spread knowledge on STD Testing. For more information on hiv test or std testing. He recommends you to visit http://www.freedomhealth.co.uk/
What are the early symptoms of HIV infection?
Despite increased awareness about HIV, AIDS and the risks of unprotected sex, many people don't know what the early symptoms of HIV are. While the chances of contracting the virus are still relatively low, it's important to be aware of possible symptoms, particularly if you've recently had sex without a condom.
However, part of the problem is that around a third of people who contract the virus will not display any early symptoms at all. In fact, many live with HIV for years without realising that they are infected. Of course, the earlier the infection is diagnosed with an HIV test, the better the chances of treatment.
What does HIV do to the body?
HIV is a virus which, in its advanced form, can lead to the terminal condition AIDS (Acquired Immuno Deficiency Virus). It attacks cells in the body which fight infection – leaving you more vulnerable to disease. A person infected with HIV will not necessarily develop AIDS. By the late stages of HIV, symptoms are pronounced and can have a debilitating effect on the sufferer.
However, in its early stages, HIV is known as primary HIV infection. Symptoms usually appear a couple of weeks after exposure and may only last for a short time.
Early signs to look out for:
Early stage HIV can share many of the same symptoms as common conditions (such as the flu or glandular fever). The key is to work out whether you're experiencing any of the following symptoms following recent unprotected sex:
- Sore and dry throat
- Headache and high fever
- Feeling fatigued and lacking in energy
- Pain in the joints, muscles and lower back
- Feeling nauseous and having a low appetite
- Swollen glands (particularly in the neck and armpits)
- Rash on the chest and occasionally arms
- Diarrhoea
As mentioned above, although around 60% of people infected with HIV will show symptoms, many others will not.
Getting diagnosed:
If you suspect that you may have contracted HIV, don't panic. Your chances of infection are low – almost zero if you have been using condoms during sex.
However, if you're concerned, or if you show symptoms a few weeks after unprotected sex, then it's important to test for HIV (not the same as an AIDS test). If symptoms disappear after a few days this doesn't mean that you're all clear. Often people will experience the initial signs and then show no other outward symptoms until years later. By that time the infection may have developed in your body and become harder to treat.
Clinics such as Freedom Health in London offer HIV testing that can detect the virus as early as 10 days after infection. You can also find treatment such as Post Exposure Prophylaxis. This is a one month course of anti-HIV medication aimed at those who believe they may have recently been exposed to the virus.
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
- HIV and AIDS Testing
- Prevent The Devastating Effects of HIV/AIDS - STD Testing Centers Wichita KS
- Kaposi's Sarcoma Associated With HIV/AIDS - STD Testing Centers Las Vegas
- What you Need to Know About Hiv
- Why All the Fuss About Std Testing?
- New or Primary HIV Infection also known as ARS (Acute Retroviral Syndrome)
- Early Diagnosis With HIV Test Kit Saves Lives
- Ultra-fast, accurate identification of HIV 1 (Group M and Group O) RNA, HIV 2 RNA, Hepatitis C Virus RNA and Hepatitis B Virus DNA in human plasma
Before 4 months or so, I performed an oral sex with a highway prostitute in India. I didn't do much but sucked her nipples for about a minute or so, and at the same time I had a very strange kind of a taste (blood like), so I stopped sucking it. The she also gave me oral job by sucking my penis (didn't swallow cum) for about 2 minutes or so...now after 4 months I have developed dry cough and sore throat... I have also found a couple of small rashes on my chest and around the shoulder...now I am worried. Are there any chances that I have been exposed to HIV virus this way?
Please do help me out with any suggestion.
Seeking your kind reply.
Thanks.
before 20 days back i performed an oral sex with a gay. but i have used condom. but at the time of inter course from back side i have taken his penis in my hand. un fortunately i had eaten food with that hand. i want to confirm weather i will get hiv or not.if possible in how many days i have to test my hiv test. weather hiv test is ok or other tests to be done. pls let me know as early as possible. i cannot sleep in night time.
thanking you
Naturally Stop Hair Loss - Tips For Men
By: Hunter Elliott | 02/12/2009If you no longer want to have to deal with hair loss then you need to follow these tips. They will naturally help you start growing your hair back fast.
Making Sex Last Longer
By: Hugh Benson | 02/12/2009You want to start making sex last longer because you are embarrased of your performance on a nightly basis. You want to make sex last for a long time but you don't know how to go about it. You want to last longer so your girl can feel more pleasure and so you can feel the same. It is time that you learned how to make this happen.
Stop Hair Loss - Follow These Natural Methods
By: Hunter Elliott | 02/12/2009Are you sick and tired of having to live with hair loss problems. Well if so then you need to try these tips.
Male Potency and Ejaculation
By: Vinceny | 02/12/2009Since the beginning of time, it seems humans have been obsessed on the beauty and power of the penis. A symbol of manhood, strength, supremacy and success, the penis and all its workings have prominently figured in the art and imagination of cultures worldwide. Yet all the attention given to penis size, erection capability and lasting power are really pretty much an addition to the real moment of truth: the orgasm. After all, isn't that the real goal of all the penis-centered concern, to have bi
Paraslim Force Review - This Will Burn All The Excess weight From Your Body Faster Than Ever
By: AndresEDUARDO LLORENTE | 02/12/2009Guys in general would love to get a lean, ripped physique. They desire a powerful, powerful body instead of a soft, flaccid midsection that makes them look 10 years older and that women pretty much pay no attention to. This review of Paraslim Force is intended to help you figure out if this is the final report of your weight loss puzzle or if you should keep your cash and keep looking. This remarkable pill will supply your muscles with all the right nutrients to help you feel energ...
Paraslim Force Review - This Will Burn All The Fat From Your Body More rapidly Than Ever
By: AndresEDUARDO LLORENTE | 02/12/2009It is a fact that a large percentage of the male population dreams about having a lean, ripped body, are athletic and vigorous and turn heads when they walk by. Alas, our contemporary lifestyle prevents us from achieving this dream. This Paraslim Force Review will let you determine whether this great pill possibly will certainly help you achieve this goal or if it's another trend. The first thing that you should know about Paraslim is that it is the most healthy thermogenic agent av...
Urdhva Dhanurasana - Upward Bow or Wheel Pose
By: johndebra | 02/12/2009Lie on back with feet 6 inches apart bend knees and bring feet close to the thighs. Take arms over the head and place them close to the shoulders with elbows bent and fingers pointing towards feet. Exhale and raise trunk and chest by putting pressure of hands and feet on the ground and and opening up elbows and knees partially. Place crown of
hair loss products that work
By: Rogelio Harvey | 02/12/2009There are many of kinds of hair loss products that work, in the sense that they are able to improve density for thinning and fine hair. The most common of these items include sprays, shampoos and products such as hair weaves. These specific items are cosmetic and in no way should impact upon hair growth. The central effect of these hair loss products is that they increase thickness and density to individual hairs, mostly by coating hairs with a specific additive. The outcome can be...