AIDS, which stands for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, is a chronic condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This life-threatening disease decreases the body's ability to fight off infections from viruses, bacteria and fungi, making the body more susceptible to cancer, pneumonia and other conditions like meningitis that the body normally fights effectively. Nearly 40 million people have AIDS worldwide. Signs of AIDS in men depend on the stage of the infection and the general health of the patient.
Flu
There are few signs of AIDS in men when they first become infected with the HIV virus. Initially, men appear to have flu-like symptoms within two to four weeks after becoming infected. Signs of HIV infection can include headache, fever and sore throat. Some men get a rash and swollen lymph glands. The virus attacks the immune system, and the man becomes contagious immediately. Early symptoms can remain dormant for eight years or longer.
Infection
In the last stages of HIV infection, which indicates the onset of AIDS, men typically get a serious infection, indicating advanced destruction of the helper T cells, which are the white blood cells that regulate the immune system. Lymph nodes become swollen again and may not respond to treatment. Chronic diarrhea and weight loss are other outward signs of the beginning stages of AIDS. Men may develop a fever and cough. They often find they are regularly short of breath. Many men are diagnosed with a severe case of pneumonia at this point.
Other Signs
Other signs that indicate AIDS is worsening are night sweats that soak the bed linens and fever over 100 degrees that is accompanied by chills. Fevers often last for weeks on end. Lesions and white spots persistently appear on the mouth and tongue. Vision usually becomes blurred and weight loss continues. As the disease progresses, men experience severe fatigue--a tiredness that is not relieved by rest. Lymph nodes stay swollen for months on end. Diarrhea and headaches become chronic and unrelenting.
Anxiety
Men with AIDS, or those who have been diagnosed as HIV carriers, often experience higher levels of anxiety, report researchers at the Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine. Anxiety levels are most acute in the first three years of the disease and decrease as the disease progresses. Anxiety often is expressed by prolonged and substantial fatigue and lack of energy. Homosexual men with AIDS exhibit additional worries about anti-homosexual violence and fear of what others will think when they disclose their illness. Stress about watching their peers die is increased. Tension and stress are more noticeable and may present as anger and frustration or as withdrawal and isolation.
