STD Info

HIV Symptoms

HIV 1/2, otherwise known as the human immunodeficiency virus, is a disease that spreads throughout the immune system. HIV 1/2 is the predecessor to AIDS, or acquired immune deficiency syndrome. AIDS greatly increases the risk of the carrier getting infections, because it weakens the immune system drastically. The risk of contracting HIV 1/2 is higher if you have another STD, and if you have HIV 1/2 and another STD, your likelihood of spreading it to others also increases. If you think you may have HIV 1/2, get tested immediately to prevent spreading it to future sexual partners. If you believe you have been exposed to HIV within the last 72 hours, seek immediate medical attention at the nearest emergency room for possible anti-viral preventative treatment.

The symptoms of HIV 1/2 differ depending on how long the person has been infected. There are the general symptoms and chronic symptoms for HIV 1/2. In the beginning, many carriers will not experience any symptoms, but are still highly contagious.

General Symptoms

  • Mild to extreme headache
  • Fatigue or feeling of tiredness
  • Swelling in the lymph nodes in the neck, genitals, and armpits
  • Diarrhea and/or feeling nauseous
  • Flu-like symptoms (normally after 3-6 weeks)
  • A shortness of breath or difficulty catching breath
  • Coughing
  • Swollen or enlarged lymph nodes
  • Fever
  • Weight Loss
  • Diarrhea

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It is spread through bodily fluids. These fluids include semen, vaginal secretions, and blood.

If you believe you have been exposed to HIV within the last 72 hours, seek immediate medical attention at the nearest emergency room for possible anti-viral preventative treatment.

Schedule a Test

HIV testing is performed primarily through an HIV antibody test. This test looks for antibodies to the HIV virus in your bloodstream. It can take several weeks for your body to begin producing antibodies following an exposure to the virus, so it is important to wait at least 8 weeks after a potential exposure before you have this test performed. Potential exposures less than 2 months ago require a different kind of test, an HIV RNA test. This test looks for the virus itself within your bloodstream. Call a care counselor today at 1-888-857-8122 to discuss HIV testing options to determine which test is right for you.

Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for HIV 1/2. There has been extensive research performed over the past few years to try to contain the disease. There are several medications that when taken together can help prevent the symptoms in an infected person. Taking these medications together reduce the risk of the virus becoming resistant to one of them. The disease can still be spread though, so it is important to take extreme precaution if infected. If you feel that you have come in contact with someone who has HIV 1/2, please get tested immediately to reduce the risk of spreading it to others. If you believe you have been exposed to HIV within the last 72 hours, seek immediate medical attention at the nearest emergency room for possible anti-viral preventative treatment.