If you have been indulging in unprotected sex or are in the habit of sharing needles during drug abuse, then you have a high chance of being exposed to the HIV virus. According to a recent survey, currently 0.6 percent of the world’s populations has being infected with the HIV virus.
The chances of developing the virus into AIDS vary from person to person. Many of you might live up to 20 years after being infected. Hence, you need to be aware of the symptoms of HIV to prevent it from spreading to others.
How to know if you have been infected
HIV attacks the immune system and makes it weak to fight against ailments. Generally, signs develop within 2–6 weeks from the time of infection, while some patients might not experience the early symptoms at all. Look out for the following signs, if you have been through any act that might have infected you:
1. Flu-like symptoms
Many of you might experience mild to moderate fever. Do not confuse it with flu or cold. A constant headache will persist throughout the fever.
2. Swollen glands
Most of you might have painless swelling in various lymph glands of the body like neck, armpit, or groin. The groin area would specifically appear inflamed, raised and firm.
3. Feeling lethargic
Feeling less energetic and decrease in the level of stamina is a common symptom. You may feel unusually tired. Do not mistake it as tiredness due to work.
4. Skin Rashes
You might notice discolored patches on different parts of your body. However, they might fade away within a month of their appearance.
Delayed signs and symptoms include:
1. There is a gradual and unusual weight loss once you are infected. There is a lack of appetite throughout the period.
2. Night sweat and dry cough is common.
3. White spots are seen on tongue, in mouth or throat.
4. Red, brown or purple colored blemishes under the skin or in mouth, nose or eyelids.
5. Pneumonia is very prevalent.
6. Diarrhea lasting for more than a week.
7. Vision would gradually become blurred.
8. Many men would might from depression, memory loss, and many neurological disorders.
9. Ulcers and sores in mouth, anus and penis, which are extremely painful.
How can the infection be avoided?
Since there is no treatment for HIV currently, hence, prevention is the best cure.
1. The foremost precaution is not to indulge in unprotected sex. This applies not only to heterosexuals, but homosexual and bisexual men as well. Use condoms consistently and try to avoid multiple partners. The more sexual partners you have the more you are at the risk of getting infected.
2. It is always preferable to be patient and delay your first sexual encounter.
3. Try not to get involved in sexual activities with strangers and sex workers with unknown HIV status.
4. Sex education is what we need today to prevent the spread of this virus. Make your peers, kids, and partners well aware of the importance of safe sex.
5. Transfusion of infected blood can transmit the virus easily to your body.
6. If you are suffering from high risk behavior like drug abuse, then avoid sharing needles.
7. Follow medical safety strictly while going for tattooing and other procedures involving needles.