The human immunodeficiency virus is a chronic, contagious, life-threatening disease. An estimated 39.5 million people have HIV worldwide, according to the MayoClinic.com. HIV can be contracted through blood and body fluids, sexual intercourse, intravenous needle sharing and mother-to-child transmission. Once infected, the virus damages the immune system rapidly. HIV makes the body more susceptible to certain types of cancers and to infections the body would normally resist, such as pneumonia and meningitis, reports MayoClinic.com. Some symptoms of early HIV infection are more common in women.
Flu-Like Symptoms
According to MayoClinic.com, when first infected with HIV, women can have no signs or symptoms at all, although, it's more common to develop a brief flu-like illness two to four weeks after becoming infected. Symptoms can include fever, headache, sore throat, swollen lymph glands and rash. At this time, the body's immune system is under attack from the HIV virus. It is very easy to mistake these symptoms for those of a common illness. This flu-like illness may last for up to several weeks. Women may or may not test positive at this time. A woman who suspects that she may have been exposed to HIV that tests negative should retest again in three months to be certain.
Fatigue
Women in the early stages of HIV infection may experience severe fatigue. They may seem more tired and sleepy than usual. Fatigue may occur in conjunction with other symptoms, or by itself. Fatigue occurs as the body's immune system becomes suppressed by the HIV virus.
Vaginal Infections
Women infected with HIV may experience an increase in vaginal yeast infections. Symptoms of a vaginal infection can include redness, irritation, pain with intercourse, and a white thick vaginal discharge. When the HIV virus is present in the body, it creates an environment more susceptible to yeast overgrowth. A woman who experiences persistent vaginal yeast infections should consider being evaluated for HIV.
Pelvic Infection and Menstrual Irregularity
Women may experience an increase in reproductive organ infection, such as Chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital warts, and pelvic inflammatory disease, reports the Illinios Department of Public Health. These infections may lead to menstrual irregularity or a cease in menstruation. If left untreated, pelvic inflammatory disease can lead to permanent infertility. Women who test positive for frequent pelvic infections should be counseled regarding HIV testing.
