Symptoms of HIV: Watch out for fever, fatigue, skin rash, night sweats, more

Persistent sore throat and headache can occur in the acute phase of HIV infection. (Image: Canva)

In view of recent findings indicating a large increase in HIV incidence among students, it is critical that students and teenagers understand the warning signs of HIV and its accessible treatment options. AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is a chronic condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Here is a detailed resource on understanding HIV for adolescents and younger adults.

Seven warning signs of HIV according to Dr Monica Gulati, executive dean, faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, LPU.

Fever: One of the earliest signs of HIV infection is a low-grade fever (around 100-101°F). Other mild symptoms, such as fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and a sore throat often accompany it.

Fatigue: HIV can cause both early and late stages of fatigue. This can be a result of the body's response to the infection or the virus directly affecting the body's cells.

Swollen lymph nodes: The lymph nodes, part of the immune system, often swell as the body fights off the infection. These swollen glands can be found in the neck, armpit, and groin.

Sore throat and headache: A persistent sore throat and headache can occur in the acute phase of HIV infection.

Skin rash: Skin rashes are common early in HIV infection and can appear as reddish, itchy patches on the skin. These rashes can occur anywhere on the body.

Muscle and joint pain: Muscle aches and joint pain, similar to flu-like symptoms, can be an early sign of HIV.

Night sweats: Many people experience night sweats during the early stages of HIV infection, which can be severe and disruptive to sleep.

Here are the causes of HIV listed down by Dr Gulati

HIV attacks and weakens the body's immune system by destroying CD4 cells (a type of white blood cell that fights infection).

As the immune system becomes compromised, the body becomes more vulnerable to opportunistic infections and certain cancers. AIDS is the final stage of HIV infection, characterised by a severely weakened immune system.

Treatments for HIV

Antiretroviral therapy (ART): The primary treatment for HIV is ART, a combination of several antiretroviral (ARV) drugs. ART helps to reduce the viral load (amount of HIV in the blood) to undetectable levels, strengthen the immune system by increasing CD4 cell counts. Prevent the progression of HIV to AIDS and reduce the risk of transmitting HIV to others.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP): For HIV-negative individuals at high risk, PrEP is a preventive treatment that involves taking a daily pill (containing tenofovir and emtricitabine) to reduce the risk of HIV infection.

Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP): PEP is a treatment to prevent HIV infection after potential exposure (e.g., through unprotected sex or needle sharing). It involves taking antiretroviral drugs within 72 hours of exposure for a duration of 28 days.

Vaccinations: Keeping up to date with vaccinations for other infections (e.g., influenza, hepatitis B) is crucial for individuals with HIV to prevent additional health complications.

Healthy lifestyle: Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption can help boost the immune system and overall health.

Effective management of HIV involves a combination of medical treatment, preventive measures, and supportive care to enhance the quality of life and prevent the progression to AIDS says Dr Gulati.