HIV Signs and Symptoms
Condom in hands being opened

You’ve had unprotected sex and are worried that you might have contracted HIV from your partner. You desperately need answers before you decide to visit the medical provider to get tested. What are the early signs of HIV that you might be experiencing?

 

Early Signs of HIV

Some people experience HIV symptoms around 2-4 weeks after being infected. For others it can take 10 years or more for symptoms to show, and most people who have HIV experience no symptoms at all. The early signs of HIV are the same symptoms that an individual with the flu may experience, typically fever, achiness, and feeling physically ill. These kind of symptoms can be easily misdiagnosed, which is why routinely getting tested for HIV is so important.

 

Late Signs of HIV or AIDS

HIV symptoms are more common and severe when a person has been living with HIV for an extended period of time without treatment. HIV destroys cells in your immune system leaving you vulnerable to illness, disease, and infection. Being diagnosed within the early stages will allow you to seek medical treatment and live a longer, healthier life.

The long-term signs of HIV include:

  • Extreme weight loss
  • Fatigue
  • Dizzy and lightheaded
  • Easy bruising
  • Diarrhea
  • Night sweats
  • Skin rashes
  • Numbing in hands and feet
  • Enlarged lymph nodes
  • Yeast infections or Thrush (a thick layer of white residue on the tongue or mouth)
  • Headaches

 

The signs and symptoms of HIV are wide-ranging and can also be experienced with a variety of other common illnesses. Getting tested for HIV is the only way to determine if you are positive. If you are concerned that you may have been exposed to HIV,  contact us today.

Thriving with community

Thriving with community

by | Mar 17, 2023 | HIV,Individual Health | 0 Comments

Tim’m West – Educator, community builder and lifelong HIV advocate “When I tested positive at 26, I didn’t imagine 50. So, turning 50 was a spiritual moment for me. I...

Breaking down barriers: HIV care for trans women

Breaking down barriers: HIV care for trans women

by | Mar 10, 2023 | HIV,Individual Health | 0 Comments

6 tips to finding a healthcare provider Often excluded or wrongly identified in HIV research, we want to set the stage for transgender women to break down barriers to...

Don’t be risky while getting frisky

Don’t be risky while getting frisky

by | Feb 9, 2023 | HIV,Individual Health | 0 Comments

Five steps for safer sex while HIV+ If you’re HIV positive, you can still have safe sex – it just takes a few precautions. Reduce the risk of transmitting HIV and other...

Lady being diagnosed

Just diagnosed?

by | Feb 9, 2023 | HIV,Individual Health | 0 Comments

Four tips for managing mental health after finding out you’re HIV positive Confusion, anger, depression, and shock are normal emotions to experience following a...

Couple

I’m HIV positive. Now what?

by | Dec 29, 2022 | HIV,Individual Health | 0 Comments

There's no one-size-fits-all regimen for HIV – know your options Recently diagnosed with HIV? Living with a positive status and interested in changing your treatment...

Paired Hands

Starting a family with HIV

by | Dec 15, 2022 | HIV,Individual Health | 0 Comments

Can I have a child If I am HIV positive? Ready to start a family? Whether it is you or your partner with HIV, know there are ways to have a safe pregnancy. It just...

World AIDS Day

Make a difference this World AIDS Day

by | Dec 1, 2022 | HIV,Individual Health | 0 Comments

Overcoming inequalities and ending stigmas together For the last 34 years, each December 1, people worldwide unite to honor those who lost their lives to AIDS-related...

Partners

Can I hook up with HIV?

by | Oct 31, 2022 | HIV,Individual Health | 0 Comments

How to enjoy casual sex while protecting your partner Living with HIV doesn’t have to end your sex life, and you don’t have to wait for an undetectable status or to be...

HIV Ribbon

HIV testing: What should I know?

by | Oct 28, 2022 | HIV,Individual Health | 0 Comments

Learn about the three types of HIV tests, their accuracy and how to understand results Before World AIDS Day, Thursday, December 1, learn about HIV testing, its...