About 1.1 million people in the USA have HIV. The sad part is that 14 percent of them don’t even know that they are infected. (Source)
Could you be one of them?
In the early stages of HIV infection, you won’t necessarily notice any symptoms. There are no evident signs. This is exactly why it’s recommended to get tested for this infection often; this is especially for those who are in a non-monogamous relationship or are using intravenous drugs. So, if you believe you’re infected or if you are a higher risk, visit a good FQHC Charlotte NC based and get tested immediately.
Early HIV Symptoms in Women
Even when the symptoms appear, you can’t always that it is HIV. The signs could also mean other things.
That said, here are some early HIV symptoms:
• Fever
• Night sweat
• Muscle aches
• Fatigue
• Vomiting
• Skin rashes
• Headache
• Swollen lymph glands
• Dry cough
• Weight loss
Again, these are some very common signs that may or may not mean you have HIV. So, two things to note here: (I) the severity of these symptoms can vary and you may not see them all together; (II) do not panic just because you’re noticing these signs.
There are some HIV symptoms that are specific to women.
If you’re infected, you may notice menstrual irregularities. The periods could be heavier or lighter than normal. You may even miss your period.
Furthermore, as the infection grows, you could experience more severe premenstrual symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, irritability, anxiety, acne, sore breasts, and so on.
Pelvic inflammatory disease is also a common HIV symptom among women. It’s an infection in reproductive organs, affecting uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. While PID itself is easy to treat in general cases using antibiotics, the task gets challenging in women who are HIV positive.
What To Do?
If you see these signs, go to the nearest clinic and get tested.
Even if you don’t observe these signs, the CDC recommends that people between the age of 13 and 64 should get tested at least once for HIV.
Early diagnosis can make a big difference in preventing or limiting the progress of HIV into the advanced stage of AIDS where the immune system becomes entirely compromised, and fighting off the infection becomes harder.
Proper and timely management can improve the quality and longevity of life.
Remember, being HIV positive isn’t an end. Millions of women are living with this infection – and they are living a happy and content life. So, you can too.
Just take the timely actions and follow the strict HIV care regimen advised by your doctor.
See also https://cwwilliams.org/hiv-early-symptoms-in-women-men-they-dont-matter/
