You Might Be Ignoring These HIV Symptoms

Just because the common cold might not be that big of a deal to some people doesn’t mean it’s not still worth paying attention to—just like HIV symptoms that you might be ignoring! If you notice any of these symptoms, be sure to talk to your doctor as soon as possible.

Tiredness

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) gradually wears down your immune system by killing off T-cells. Without these crucial immune cells, it’s harder for your body to fight off infections and other diseases. Over time, feeling tired is one of many ways that people with untreated HIV symptoms can feel worn down from a lack of T-cells. If you think you might have been exposed to HIV, get tested immediately for early detection and treatment.

Weight loss

Being overweight or obese increases your risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI) because of a higher concentration of HIV in genital fluids. Losing weight helps reduce that concentration, and can therefore significantly reduce your risk of getting an STI. If you are overweight, losing 5-10% body weight can have significant health benefits. Reducing weight by 10% can reduce your level of insulin resistance and improve levels of good cholesterol while reducing high blood pressure as well as some cancers such as breast cancer.

Feeling faint

One of the most common and obvious signs of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is fainting. People with untreated or undiagnosed HIV often faint or get dizzy for no reason, according to The AIDS Society. Many people also lose their balance when walking, and many feel lightheaded even when lying down. If you experience these symptoms, take them seriously. Seek medical attention right away because they might be a sign that you have HIV and need treatment to help your body fight it off.

Mood swings

People who are infected with HIV may notice mood swings. Depression is a common symptom that can develop due to a variety of reasons, including loss of energy and feelings of despair. Understanding what may be causing your depression and taking steps to cope with it can help you feel better.

Itching skin

If you’re sexually active and have noticed an itchy rash that won’t go away, you might be experiencing symptoms of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Even if you don’t have genital sores, it’s still possible to contract HIV. The chances are a lot higher for people who engage in high-risk activities, like unprotected sex with multiple partners. But even those who practice safe sex can become infected.

Extreme fatigue

If you’re experiencing severe exhaustion, dizziness or shortness of breath, it could be signs of a blood disorder. If you experience more than four days of extreme fatigue, see your doctor immediately. Allergies and skin reactions: Sores or discoloration in your mouth might mean that you have undiagnosed leukopenia (low white blood cell count), which can be caused by AIDS. Sensitivity to light could indicate eye disease such as retinitis or optic neuritis.

Short-term memory loss

The most common early symptom of HIV is short-term memory loss. While it can seem like a minor annoyance at first, it often leads to broader cognitive issues. Short-term memory loss causes include Alzheimer’s disease, Lyme disease, depression and low thyroid function. It’s important to note that short-term memory loss could be a sign of something more serious than just a minor issue with your brain chemistry.

Swollen lymph nodes

Lymph nodes are part of your immune system. Swollen lymph nodes can be a sign of infection and/or certain cancers. Swollen lymph nodes may also be a sign of an infection in your body, which is why it's important to have them checked out by a doctor if you find them on yourself or someone else. Lymph node swelling and enlargement can occur at any time, but people who've recently had surgery or a viral illness are more susceptible to them because these conditions weaken the immune system.

Fever and chills

Many doctors fail to take a detailed medical history, including asking whether a patient has had a fever and chills in combination with weight loss. This is due to lack of training, as well as symptom overlap with other conditions that might be more common and more pressing for patients, such as pneumonia or cancer. However, if you have fever and chills combined with weight loss, it’s an indication that you should get tested for HIV immediately.

Oral thrush (canker sores in your mouth)

People who have HIV can develop oral thrush, which is a fungal infection of the mouth. This usually occurs when their immune system has been severely weakened. The telltale sign of oral thrush are white lesions or spots on your tongue and mouth lining. You might also notice a thick, furry-looking coating in your mouth that resembles cauliflower.