Content

• Steps
• Advice
• Warning

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). HIV attacks the immune system, destroying white blood cells that help the body fight off infection and disease. Testing is the only way to recognize HIV. There are some symptoms you can learn to find out if you have HIV.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Detect symptoms early

1. 

   Look for signs of acute fatigue without an obvious cause. Fatigue can be a sign of many diseases, but it is a symptom in people with HIV. This symptom isn't too serious if you're only experiencing one, but it should be a symptom to watch out for.
   • Acute fatigue is more than just feeling sleepy. Feeling tired all the time, even after a good night's sleep? Do you sleep more often in the afternoon, and avoid strenuous activity because you don't have a lot of energy? This type of fatigue is a sign to watch out for.
   • If symptoms persist for weeks or months, you should see a doctor to rule out HIV.

2. 

   
   
   Note the phenomenon fever or sweat a lot at night. These phenomena usually occur in the early stages of HIV infection, called acute HIV infection. As noted above, many people do not experience this symptom, but some do experience it two to four weeks after being infected with HIV.
   • High fever and night sweats are also symptoms of the flu and the common cold. If you are in the flu season, this could be a sign you are experiencing.
   • Shivering, muscle aches, sore throat, and headache are all signs of a cold, but they can also be symptoms of initial HIV infection.

3. 

   
   
   Watch for swollen glands in the neck, armpits, or groin. Swollen lymph nodes are caused by the body's response to inflammation. This does not happen to everyone who is initially infected with HIV, but it is common among patients.
   • Lymph nodes in the neck are often larger than those in the armpits or groin when infected with HIV.
   • Swollen lymph nodes can be caused by another infection, such as a cold or flu, so you need to see a doctor to see if it is correct.

4. 

   
   
   Watch for nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These symptoms are commonly associated with the flu, but are also warning signs of early HIV infection. You should see a doctor if symptoms persist.

5. 

   Watch for mouth and genital ulcers. If mouth ulcers are present with other symptoms, especially if you rarely get mouth ulcers, this could be an early sign of HIV infection. Vaginal ulcers are also a sign of HIV.

Method 2 of 3: Recognize severe symptoms

1. 

   Do not ignore status dry cough. This symptom appears in the late stages of HIV, sometimes years after the virus enters the body and dulls inside. This seemingly harmless symptom is very easy to ignore, especially when it comes to allergy or cough and flu season. If your dry cough doesn't get better after taking allergy medicine or an inhaler, this could be a symptom of HIV.

2. 

   Look for abnormalities (red, brown, pink, or purple) on the skin. People with end-stage HIV infection often develop a skin rash, especially the face and torso. The rash may appear in the mouth and nose. This is a sign that HIV is transforming into AIDS.
   • Red, scaly skin is also a sign of end-stage HIV. The sores look like an ulcer or a lump.
   • A rash often accompanies a cold, so if you notice your condition occurring along with other symptoms, you should see your doctor right away.

3. 

   Watch for pneumonia. It often affects people with poor immune systems for other reasons. Patients with end-stage HIV are more likely to develop bacterial pneumonia, which usually does not cause such a serious reaction.

4. 

   Watch for fungal infections, especially of the mouth. Patients with end-stage HIV often have a yeast infection in the mouth called thrush. It causes white spots or other abnormal spots on the tongue and in the mouth. This is a warning sign that your immune system is having problems fighting infection.

5. 

   Check your nails for signs of mold. End-stage HIV patients often experience yellow or brown, cracked, or chipped nails. Nails become susceptible to fungal infections that under normal conditions the body is able to fight off.

6. 

   Identify rapid and unexplained weight loss. In the early stages of HIV, severe diarrhea may be the cause; in the final stage, the phenomenon is called "ejection," and is the body's strong response to the presence of HIV in the system.

7. 

   Note the phenomenon of dementia, depression, or other neurological disease. HIV affects cognitive function of the brain in the late stage. These symptoms are often serious and need to be considered.

Method 3 of 3: Understanding HIV

1. 

   Recognize the risk of infection. You may encounter many situations that put you at risk of HIV. If you have experienced one of the following, you are at risk of infection:
   • Vaginal, vaginal sex, or unprotected oral sex.
   • Sharing needles.
   • Diagnosis or treatment of sexually transmitted infection (STD), tuberculosis, tuberculosis, or hepatitis.
   • Blood transfusions were from 1978 to 1985, years when precautions were not taken in the use of infected blood for transfusion.

2. 

   Do not wait until symptoms appear to see your doctor. Many people with HIV do not know that they are infected. The virus may linger in the body for ten years before symptoms start. If you have any reason to believe that you may have HIV, you should see a doctor as soon as you see no signs. You should find out as soon as possible.

3. 

   Get an HIV test. This is the most accurate measurement to determine if you have HIV or not. Contact your local health unit, Red Cross, doctor's office, and other local sources.
   • The test is usually quite easy, affordable, and reliable (in most cases). The common test is usually done by taking a blood sample. There is also a test for oral fluids (not saliva) and urine. There are even some tests that you can do at home. If you do not have a doctor to do the test, you can contact your local Health Department.
   • If you have an HIV test, you should not deny the results. Whether you are infected or not, you will change your lifestyle and way of thinking.

Advice

• Get tested if you suspect you have the disease. This is the right way to keep yourself and others safe.
• HIV is not transmitted through the air or through food. Viruses cannot live outside the body.
• If the home test is positive, you will be referred for the next test. This test should not be skipped. If you are concerned, you should see your doctor.

Warning

• Never pick up a discarded needle or syringe.
• STDs increase the chance of HIV infection.
• One in five people living with HIV in the United States do not know they are infected.