Let’s start with the most common questions that surround the topics of HIV & AIDS – “What is the difference between HIV & AIDS?” followed by – “Can HIV be cured?”
We will simplify and answer this question right here for you – Being HIV positive doesn’t mean you have AIDS. AIDS is the advanced stage of HIV which has multiple symptoms that occur because of lack of proper treatment and multiple infections. ART stands for Antiretroviral therapy, is the use of HIV medicines to treat HIV infection and delay the HIV leading to AIDS. Early detection of signs of HIV, early diagnosis of HIV and early treatment with adherence can help any HIV positive person lead a healthy and happy life.
What are the major Symptoms or signs of HIV?
Having read the above, the next question that automatically comes into our minds is how should one go about identifying major symptoms of HIV? First of all, it is important to know the causes of HIV – there are only following three ways in which HIV is transmitted amongst human beings.
- By unprotected sex – anal, vaginal and oral.
- Via the sharing of injecting drugs, untested blood transfusion, organ/tissue transplant (from a HIV infected person).
- An infected mother can also pass HIV to her child during pregnancy, delivery and breastfeeding.
If you are engaged in any of the above and are constantly encountering issues like fever, headache, sore throat, swollen lymph glands, rashes, fatigue, then please do not ignore them as these could be early signs of HIV. Some of these symptoms could be generic in nature however, only a medically qualified doctor can diagnose and treat HIV accurately with the help of specifically designated tests. Since, HIV reduces your body’s immunity towards various ailments, the late and major symptoms of HIV are persistent, unexplained fatigue, soaking night sweats, shaking chills or high fever for several weeks, swelling of lymph nodes for more than three months, chronic diarrhea, persistent headaches, and unusual opportunistic infections.
Know your risk of HIV with Yes4me Risk Assessment Tool
Alternatively, if you are unsure about whether you are at risk, you can take the risk assessment test at Yes4Me to find your status. It is important that anyone who feels that they are at risk and observe any primary symptoms of HIV should not self-diagnosis by reading online or asking friends and get themselves tested for HIV at any accredited private lab near them. Various government hospitals also have HIV testing and counseling centers which can be visited for consultation and treatment. Alternatively, you can also book an HIV test through Yes4Me as well, our platform ensures 100% confidentiality while ensuring that our counselors hold your hand throughout the process.
An HIV test is an easy process that can find your HIV status. Consult Yes4Me for further testing related information and the need for re-testing, if any. If you think you may have been exposed to the HIV virus then you must look for guidance from Yes4me counselor enabling you to take further steps and precautions.
