HIV is a devastating illness that affects over 1 million Americans. HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. HIV may develop into AIDS, or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. The symptoms for HIV are varied and many people do not know they are infected until years after they acquired it.
HIV is spread through bodily fluids. The virus can pass through blood, semen, pre-ejaculate, and vaginal fluid. It may also be spread to children through breast milk.
There are currently no cures for HIV, but scientists around the world are testing hopeful possibilities. To minimize your chances of contracting HIV, avoid blood to blood contact, and practice safe sex by using condoms and having your partners tested for HIV.
If you are worried about your risk of infection, get tested by a health care professional. HIV testing is quick, simple, and accurate.
Here are 13 of the signs and symptoms that may come with HIV infection.
1. Fever
If you have practiced unprotected sex, watch out for fevers as a symptom of HIV. Early after being infected by HIV, you may experience flu like symptoms. This can include a low grade fever that does not respond to medication. You may experience night sweats as a response to the fever. The fever is an inflammatory reaction to the virus entering your blood stream.
