HIV infection appears in three stages. The first stage is seroconversion. The second stage is a period when no symptoms appear. And the third stage is transformed HIV infection into AIDS.
The first stage
People infected with the HIV virus suffer flu-like illness. After this, HIV does not cause any symptoms for several years. Flu-like symptoms will appear a few weeks after infection. This is often referred to as seroconversion.
It is estimated that about 8 out of 10 people infected with HIV have experienced this. The most common symptoms are:
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Appeared rash on the body, usually does not itch
- Swelling of the lymph stains
- Weight loss
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Painful joints
- Muscle ache
The above symptoms can last up to one month. This is a sign the immune system is fighting the virus. But these symptoms can be caused by diseases other than HIV. This condition is not solely due to HIV infection.
Conduct an HIV test if you are at risk for infection or when the symptoms mentioned above. But remember, not everyone experiences the same symptoms as those mentioned above. If you feel you've done something that makes you at risk for infection, visit a clinic or hospital to undergo an HIV test.
Second stage
After the initial symptoms disappear, usually HIV does not cause further symptoms for years (the window period). This is the stage when the HIV infection progress without symptoms. Existing virus continues to spread and damage the immune system. At this stage, you will feel healthy and no problems. We may not realize is already HIV positive, but we can transmit the infection to others. Old steps could walk about 10 years or even more.
Third stage or last stage of HIV infection
If left untreated, HIV weakens the body's ability to fight infection. With this condition, you will be more susceptible to serious illness. The final stage is more commonly known as AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). Here is the presenting symptoms in the last stage of HIV infection:
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck and groin.
- A fever that lasts more than 10 days.
- Feeling exhausted almost at every moment.
- Sweating at night.
- Weight loss with no known cause.
- Purple spots on the skin that do not disappear.
- Hard to breathe.
- Diarrhea that is severe and ongoing.
- Fungal infections of the mouth, throat or vagina.
- Easy bruising or bleeding without cause.
The risk of getting a deadly disease will increase at this stage. Such as cancer, tuberculosis, and pneumonia. But despite this deadly disease, HIV treatment can still be done. Handling it early can help improve health.
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