Human immunodeficiency virus, also known as HIV, is a virus that infects the human immune system. It prevents the immune system from being able to serve its primary purpose, which is to fight off infections. An infectious disease, HIV is found in bodily fluids and can be transmitted through sexual contact, blood transfusion, from mother to child or through injecting drugs.The international charity Avert states that as of 2008, approximately 33 million people were living with HIV globally. There are several main symptoms commonly seen in HIV patients.
High Fever
MayoClinic.com states that high fever is a main symptom seen in HIV patients. HIV attacks the immune system and the white blood cells in the body that help fight infections. This leaves the HIV patient prone to infections. The body has to reset is internal body temperature in an attempt to fight off these infections, which leads to a high fever. A weak immune system can also result in the development of swollen lymph nodes.
Weight Loss and Night Sweats
A main symptom seen in HIV patients according to Tufts University is unintentional weight loss. This type of weight loss occurs due to the diverse medications taken by patients, nausea, diarrhea and difficulty swallowing because of tongue and throat lesions. Night sweats are also experienced by HIV patients.
Weakness and Difficulty Swallowing
The Body, an online HIV information resource, states that a main HIV symptom is unusual weakness and fatigue. This happens as a result of the reduced blood cell count. HIV patients suffer from anemia, an ailment that is defined by decreased blood cell levels. Since oxygen is carried by red blood cell, anemia causes a reduced oxygen level within the body. MayoClinic.com reports that most HIV patients experience painful white lesions in the throat and tongue, which affects swallowing and eating.
