Human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, is an infectious disease transmitted through contact with bodily fluids during activities such as sex or blood transfusion. According to the Mayo Clinic, there are 39.5 million people living with HIV globally. HIV attacks the body's immune system, decreasing the body's white blood cell count and making it unable to effectively fight off infections and diseases. HIV can also lead to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Several symptoms are commonly seen in HIV patients.
Fever and Swollen Lymph Nodes
According to the Mayo Clinic, fever is a common symptom in HIV patients. HIV reduces the white blood cells in the body, and renders the body susceptible to infections. Fever develops when the body has to increase the set internal body temperature in an attempt to fight off these infections. Swollen lymph nodes is another common symptom in HIV patients, resulting from a weakened immune system.
Night Sweats and Weight Loss
According to Tufts University, unintentional weight loss is a symptom seen in HIV patients. The weight loss is associated with medications, nausea, diarrhea, and difficulty swallowing due to mouth lesions. Night sweats is a daily symptom seen in HIV patients. Constant sweating is seen especially at night, abd can affect sleep, soaking bed sheets.
Fatigue and Difficulty Swallowing
According to the Body Health Resources, HIV patients complain of unusual fatigue. This is attributed especially to a decreased blood cell count. HIV patients are seen as anemic, a condition defined by reduced red blood cell counts. Anemia reduces the amount of oxygen available in the body. According to the Mayo Clinic, HIV patients often have difficulty with swallowing, due to painful white lesions seen on the tongue and in the mouth.
