If you are infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and are HIV positive, AIDS could be the next evolution if treatment is not administered in time. HIV infection attacks your immune system, making you susceptible to a variety of diseases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, if you are HIV positive, taking medications can limit or slow the deterioration of the immune system, allowing you to lead a longer life and reduce the possibility of transmitting HIV to someone else.
Flu-like Symptoms
According to the University of California, within days or weeks of HIV infection, you may develop flu-like symptoms. This period is referred to as the primary or acute HIV infection stage. The symptoms are characterized by headache accompanied by fever, a feeling of exhaustion and swelling of the lymph nodes. However, such symptoms subside within a week to a month and hence are frequently mistaken as the common cold or flu.
Swelling of Lymph Nodes
According to the AIDS Education & Training Centers National Resource Center, enlarged lymph nodes can be a symptom of being HIV positive. Called lymphadenopathy, the swelling is due to the inflammation of the lymph nodes, which can persist for several months. Visible symptoms of lymphadenopathy due to HIV infection include glandular swellings in the groin, neck or armpits.
Itchy Skin
If you are HIV positive, you may have itchy skin. This condition can be attributed to immunosuppression, infection or cancer. Once the exact cause of the itchy skin has been diagnosed, it can be treated with proper medications. The most common causes of itchy skin when HIV positive are scabies, inflammation of the hair follicles, drug reactions, dry skin and photosensitivity dermatitis.
Other Symptoms
Rapid weight loss, loss of appetite, skin rashes, chest infection, and muscle and joint pain are some of the other symptoms of being HIV positive, as described by the University of California. The symptoms of HIV infection can be similar to the symptoms of hepatitis. The severity and complexity of the symptoms vary depending on the strength of your immune system.
Frequently Contracting Diseases and Infections
As the immune system is affected and compromised by HIV, several complications erupt. These complications occur because your once powerful immune cells are incapable of fighting disease-causing organisms. Normally, your immune system would immobilize and kill these pathogens, but again, your immune system has been undermined. Thus, your healthy condition will decline if proper medical care is not provided. If you become sick very frequently, and even common ailments like cold, flu and fever are taking longer than expected to clear up, consult your doctor immediately to start treatment.
