Many people experience severe flu-like symptoms which is the body’s natural response to the virus and is an indicator that you may have been exposed to something sinister.
If you have an active sex life or think you may have been exposed to HIV, it is important that you get tested as soon as possible.
Here are some common symptoms of HIV in men that may alert you that something is wrong.
Phases of an HIV infection:
Time is of the essence. Getting yourself tested and beginning treatment immediately ensures that you keep your immune system intact as much as possible. Getting treated with HIV medications will also practically eliminate your chances of transmitting your HIV to others.
Phase 1: Acute illness
Approximately 80 percent of people who contract HIV experience flu-like symptoms within two to four weeks. This flu-like illness is known as acute HIV infection. Acute HIV infection is the primary stage of HIV and lasts until the body has created antibodies against the virus.
Symptoms of an acute HIV infection
body rash
fever
sore throat
severe headaches
Less common symptoms may include:
fatigue
swollen lymph nodes
ulcers in the mouth or on the genitals
muscle aches
joint pain
nausea and vomiting
night sweats
Phase 2: Asymptomatic period
After the initial symptoms disappear, HIV may not cause any additional symptoms for months or years. During this time, the virus replicates and begins to weaken the immune system. A person at this stage won’t feel or look sick, but the virus is still active. They can easily transmit the virus to others. This is why early testing, even for those who feel fine, is so important.
They might also experience the following stage 3 HIV symptoms:
nausea
vomiting
persistent diarrhea
chronic fatigue
rapid weight loss
cough and shortness of breath
recurring fever, chills, and night sweats
rashes, sores, or lesions in the mouth or nose, on the genitals, or under the skin
prolonged swelling of the lymph nodes in the armpits, groin, or neck
memory loss, confusion, or neurological disorders
Symptoms of AIDS
The diagnosis of “AIDS” is only given if HIV has damaged your immune system to such an extent that you become ill from an infection that your body would normally have been able to fight off.
When faced with the prospect of AIDS, it will always makes sense to get treated. Thanks to the treatment, “AIDS” is a stage that you never have to reach. It will take longer before your immune system gets back to strength, however.