What if you consider yourself healthy but are unknowingly carrying an unseen risk?
HIV often progresses quietly, with early symptoms so subtle they might be mistaken for something minor. Therefore, recognizing these signs early can be life-saving.
Globally, 1.3 million people were diagnosed with HIV in 2023, according to UNAIDS. While the number of new cases has decreased in recent years due to better awareness and prevention efforts, the virus remains a significant health concern.
Let’s explore the earliest signs and symptoms of HIV in men and women so that you can take the right action at the right time.
The Low-Key Villain You Need To Know About
HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, is like a troublemaker that sneaks into your body and weakens your defense system. It attacks the white blood cells that protect you from getting sick.
Over time, HIV makes it harder for your body to fight off infections like tuberculosis or even certain cancers.
One way doctors know this is happening is by checking your specific type of white blood cells called CD4 cells. These cells are like your immune system’s bodyguards. When there aren’t enough of them, it becomes much harder for your body to stay healthy.
Can You Catch HIV? Let’s Clear The Air!
Yes, HIV is transmittable, but only through certain body fluids like blood, semen, vaginal fluids, breast milk, or other fluids that carry the virus.
It doesn’t spread through casual contact like hugging, sharing food, or using the same utensils.
While HIV isn’t curable, it doesn’t mean life stops. With the right treatment and care, you can manage it effectively and live a healthy life.
What Are the Early Signs of HIV?
When the body first encounters HIV, it enters a phase where the virus quietly starts to multiply.
This stage, often called the early phase, can trigger flu-like symptoms within 2 to 4 weeks that may last up to a month.
But here’s the tricky part: these symptoms might feel like an ordinary cold or not show up at all!
Some of the common early signs to watch for include:
- Fever and headache
- Muscle aches and joint pain
- Sore throat and sometimes painful mouth sores
- Diarrhea
During the early phase, the virus builds its presence in the body. If caught early, managing and controlling the infection before it progresses is possible. However, if left untreated, symptoms can get worse over time.
Some Other Symptoms To Watch Out For
Some people also experience other symptoms, such as:
- Swollen lymph nodes: When lymph nodes swell, the neck under the jaw or behind the ears swell. This swelling may last for months.
- Weight loss: Persistent diarrhea and appetite loss can also lead to rapid weight loss in some patients.
- Skin rashes: These look like small red bumps on the skin. They can even turn into boils that are usually pink and itchy.
Note: If you’re experiencing any of the above-mentioned early signs, it is better to get yourself checked at urgent care. Our healthcare providers at Chicago and Schererville help you with early diagnosis and treatment protocol.
Types of HIV: How Are The Symptoms Different?
HIV comes in two types: HIV-1 and HIV-2. While both affect the immune system and can lead to AIDS, they differ in their transmission, progression, and treatment.
| HIV 1 | HIV 2 | |
| Prevalence | More common (accounts for 95% of the cases). | Accounts for only about 0.01% of cases |
| Remain Asymptomatic | HIV-1 can stay symptom-free for up to 10 years | HIV-2 can remain asymptomatic for over 20 years. |
| Progression | HIV-1 tends to act faster, weakening the immune system more quickly and leading to AIDS sooner. | HIV-2 progresses much more slowly, causing less damage to the immune system. |
| Susceptibility to infections | HIV-1 is more likely to cause certain infections and cancers. | Lesser risk |
The HIV symptoms are the same in both men and women in the early stages. However, some symptoms are unique to men and women.
Early HIV signs and symptoms in men
Men with HIV may experience some unique symptoms, including:
- Rectal Issues (Infectious Proctitis): Inflammation in the rectum, often in men who have had anal sex, causing discharge, bleeding, and pain in the anal area.
- Erectile Dysfunction: Over half of men with HIV may face erectile issues and loss of interest in sex.
- Low Testosterone (Hypogonadism): Symptoms include low libido, tiredness, and mood changes, often treated with testosterone therapy.
- Painful Sores (Penile Ulcers): HIV can cause sores on the penis and swollen lymph nodes, treatable with antiretroviral medications.
- Prostatitis (Prostate Inflammation): Pain during urination, stool, or ejaculation, treatable with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs.
By recognizing these early signs, men can take action to manage their health and seek treatment.
Early HIV signs and symptoms in women
Women with HIV may experience some unique symptoms, including:
- Menstrual Changes: Irregular periods, missed periods (amenorrhea), or heavy bleeding can occur.
- Frequent Fungal Infections: Women with HIV may get recurring vaginal fungal infections, sometimes four or more times a year.
- Bacterial Vaginosis: It occurs due to the imbalance of bacteria in the vagina and is more common in women with HIV.
- Reproductive Health Issues: Women with HIV are at higher risk for cervical cancer, pelvic inflammatory disease, and genital ulcers.
How Can Urgent Care Help You With HIV?
If you suspect any early signs or even if you suffer from HIV, urgent care providers can help you out.
At Family Urgent Care, we understand the importance of early detection and treatment. Whether you’re in Indiana or Illinois, we’re here to provide support and care.
With a modern lab testing facility, our trained medical staff can help you get tested faster and help with diagnosis.
We have multiple convenient locations: Halsted, Morse, and Schererville. Our team is ready to offer assistance, answer your questions, and guide you through the next steps to ensure your health is managed properly.
FAQ
Yes, many early signs are indications of HIV, such as flu-like illness, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, skin rash, weight loss, etc. Although initial symptoms in men and women also differ.
Do AIDS and HIV have the same symptoms?
When HIV progresses and worsens, it leads to AIDS. Its initial symptoms are similar to that of HIV.
Does HIV cause boils?
HIV itself doesn’t directly cause boils, but it weakens your immune system, making it easier for other infections, like bacteria or viruses. Skin boils are often the result of these secondary infections, which can crop up when your body’s defenses are compromised. If you notice any unusual skin changes, it’s always a good idea to get it checked out so your healthcare provider can help you manage it before it becomes a bigger issue.
