How to identify symptoms of HIV (AIDS) in men in the early stages - the first signs of the disease

HIV infection is a real plague of modern society. The disease is dangerous due to decreased immunity and, as a result, the development of serious diseases, including cancer. Many people are not aware of the primary symptoms of the disease, possible methods of infection, and preventive measures. A brief and at the same time informative leaflet, which provides a detailed understanding of HIV infection, will help you find answers to pressing questions.

General symptoms

People often wonder how many days it takes for HIV to appear in men after sexual intercourse without using barrier methods of contraception. According to doctors, the very first signs of HIV disease in men appear 10 days after infection. When the first symptoms appear, it is important to immediately contact specialists in order to begin a course of antiretroviral therapy as quickly as possible.

The very first signs of infection in the early stages include:

• slight, barely noticeable lethargy, drowsiness, apathy, relaxation, which is accepted by a person as one of the symptoms of the flu or a cold;
• HIV symptoms in men after a month include severe weakness even from performing simple everyday activities;
• in the initial stage of development of the disease, the temperature also rises to subfebrile levels, it persists for several days.

After this, the first manifestations of HIV infection subside; this can last for several months or several years. This period is the most successful for starting treatment.

Do not delude yourself that the body has overcome the disease on its own if there are no symptoms. HIV symptoms in men remain in the body after infection, gradually progressing. After the asymptomatic period ends, other primary symptoms of HIV appear. At this stage, the virus becomes completely incurable. If timely medical care is not provided, HIV infection transforms into AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), and this is already life-threatening. Let's look at each symptom in more detail.

Prevention measures

Preventive measures to combat HIV infection include:

• avoiding routes of infection - using barrier contraception during sexual intercourse, timely treatment of STDs;
• educating young people on issues of sexual behavior, thoughtful attitude to therapy;
• medical support and examination of women throughout pregnancy;
• providing social and psychological support to infected people.

Although the examination is anonymous, close relatives of the infected person must know about the disease. The population believes that an infected person is dangerous by spreading HIV to others. However, this opinion is erroneous: the virus is not transmitted through airborne droplets or household contact, so you can live in the same apartment with an infected person without fear of becoming infected.

HIV is not a death sentence. Infected people successfully create happy families and give birth to absolutely healthy children. The main thing is to follow the medication regimen and follow the doctor’s orders.

Rashes on the epidermis

HIV rash in men is one of the primary signs. Knowing how quickly HIV manifests itself after infection, we can assume the presence of a dangerous infection in the cells. Rashes on the epidermis cause panic in a person. If weakness can be attributed to the influenza virus, then the rash is an alarm bell, which indicates the development of some pathological processes. A man's skin becomes covered with scarlet or purple spots and dots (as with chickenpox). In some cases, the rash is colorless. These early symptoms, external signs of HIV, appear on the body already 5-10 days after the virus enters the body.

The rash can have any shape and character:

• petechial - outwardly looks like microhemorrhages in the form of microscopic inclusions

• urticarial - the appearance resembles the rash of urticaria

• papular - the rash is hollow, there are no bloody spots

Such manifestations are generalized and are localized on the surface of the entire body of HIV-infected people.

HIV classification

The human immunodeficiency virus belongs to the family of retroviruses, the genus of lentiviruses. It is lymphotropic. There are 2 main types of immunodeficiency viruses - HIV-1 and HIV-2. The HIV-3 and HIV-4 species are rare varieties. Their role in the spread of infection is subtle.

• Retroviruses (from the Latin retro - reverse) belong to a family of RNA viruses that infect vertebrates. HIV, unlike oncoviruses, leads infected cells to death, and does not cause their proliferative growth, like oncoviruses. Retroviruses cause the development of malignant processes in the form of sarcoma and leukemia in a number of animals, and only one species causes lymphosarcoma in humans.
• Lentiviruses (from the Latin lentus - slow) cause diseases with a long incubation period and a slow but steadily progressive course. Lentiviruses deliver a significant amount of genetic material into the host cell and have the ability to replicate (renew) in non-dividing cells.

Rice. 3. When a new virus comes out, it is called a virion. The photo shows an immature virion. The nucleocapsid is not structured. The outer shell is wide and loose.

Hyperthermia and fever

When the incubation period of HIV infection ends, symptoms similar to acute respiratory viral disease appear. This is a feverish state and an increase in temperature. Such primary symptoms appear within a week after infection. Hyperthermia appears abruptly; the readings usually do not exceed low-grade fever (up to 38 degrees). Additional symptoms at this stage are: increased fatigue, enlarged regional lymph nodes, sore throat.

With HIV infection, the lymph nodes are primarily affected, and the infection spreads through the bloodstream throughout the body. In this case, active reproduction of pathogenic agents occurs. The immune system reacts to the attack of the virus with inflammation, resulting in a rise in temperature, chills and weakness. With the flow of lymph, viral particles are carried to all organs, tissues and systems, causing irreversible changes in them.

HIV-1 and HIV-2 are the main types of HIV

Human immunodeficiency viruses differ from each other genetically and in antigenic characteristics. The modern classification identifies 2 main types of viruses: human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) and human immunodeficiency virus 2 (HIV-2). However, HIV-3 and HIV-4 are also known - rare varieties with a subtle role in the spread of the epidemic. It is believed that HIV-1 arose as a result of the transmission of the immunodeficiency virus to humans by chimpanzees, and HIV-2 by red-headed mangabeys.

Both types of virus cause immunodeficiency when they enter the human body. There are differences in the clinical course of the disease.

Rice. 4. It is believed that HIV-1 arose as a result of the transmission of the immunodeficiency virus to humans by chimpanzees, and HIV-2 by red-headed mangabeys.

Human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1)

HIV-1 was first described in 1983. It is the most pathogenic and widespread among all HIV viruses. Minor changes in the genome of this type of virus lead to the emergence of a large number of new strains, which allows the pathogen to evade the patient’s immune system and acquire drug resistance to antiviral drugs.

• It was HIV-1 that became the culprit of the global epidemic.
• Human immunodeficiency viruses - 1 are divided into several groups: M, N, O and P, 90% of which are group M. In turn, group M is divided into 11 subtypes, dominant in certain parts of the world.
• HIV-1 subtype A is widespread in Russia and Africa. Currently, there has been a mixture of strain A, which is currently dominant, and strain AG, brought from Central Asia. This is how a more dangerous strain of HIV-1A63 appeared.
• When infected with HIV-1, the disease often progresses to the AIDS stage.
• In the AIDS stage, oral candidiasis, Kaposi's sarcoma and chronic fever often develop.

In each case where there is no indication of the type of virus, human immunodeficiency virus-1 is assumed.

Immunodeficiency virus-2 (HIV-2)

HIV-2 arose from the transmission of an immunodeficiency virus to humans from red-headed mangabeys. Identified in 1986. 8 groups of viruses have been described, but in epidemic terms only groups A and B are more dangerous.

• HIV-2 is less virulent than HIV-1.
• When HIV-1 and HIV-2 enter the human body simultaneously, HIV-2 provides, albeit small, protection of cells from infection by HIV-1.
• The disease lasts longer and rarely progresses to the AIDS stage.
• During the disease, there are significantly fewer viruses in 1 μl of blood than during HIV-1 infection.
• With HIV-2, infections such as chronic diarrhea, cholangitis, encephalitis and severe cytomegalovirus infections often develop.

Increased sweating

The symptoms of HIV at the first stage are always accompanied by increased night sweats. Such a symptom may go away on its own after a week (when the acute phase ends), or it may remain with the sick person forever.

Heavy sweating at night is not associated with the heat outside or with wearing warm clothes. Even without clothes, the man sweats profusely at night.

Summing up

The first diagnosis of HIV infection or AIDS should not lead to despondency, since the prescribed antiviral treatment will allow you to live for many more decades.

The doctor must warn that from the first months the patient should not only be disciplined and not miss taking pills, but also lead a healthy lifestyle.

When taking therapy that suppresses the development of signs of HIV in men in the early stages, it is strictly prohibited:

• drink alcohol;
• smoke even light cigarettes;
• use narcotic and psychotropic substances;
• take medications on your own;
• increase or decrease the dosage of prescribed medications;
• eat foods that are not included in the prescribed diet.

If you do not follow these rules or have a genetic predisposition to the rapid development of HIV infection, the immune system will be affected much faster. The body can jump through some stages if other fungal, herpetic, infectious, inflammatory and oncological processes develop in it.

For prevention, you should avoid casual sexual relations and do not use syringes that have already been used for injections. Never agree to use non-sterile medical devices, as disposable kits are available for sale for surgeries and cosmetic procedures.

Enlarged regional lymph nodes

After HIV infection has occurred, the virus particles first of all affect the lymphatic system, the result will be inflammation and swelling of the nodes of the lymphatic system. Nodes in the groin, armpits, and neck increase in size. If such symptoms appear, and before this there was unprotected intimacy, it is recommended to undergo a special test as soon as possible. Because it is in the initial stage of development of the disease that a person is most contagious.

Polymerase chain reaction analysis makes it possible to determine the presence of viral DNA in human blood as early as 8-9 days.

Methods of infection

The main ways of contracting HIV infection are:

• Unprotected sexual contact with a carrier of the infection.
• Transfusion of contaminated donor blood.
• Use of non-sterile medical instruments, including needles.
• Contact with an open wound of infected blood or other body fluid of the patient.
• The virus is transmitted from an infected mother to her newborn baby.

Candidate of Medical Sciences Evgeniy Olegovich Komarovsky talks about the routes of transmission of the virus:

Since the virus can be transmitted through biological fluids of the human body, there is a possibility of contracting HIV through oral sex. Especially if ejaculation occurred directly into the mouth, where there are wounds.

Due to the fact that HIV is transmitted at the moment of contact of mucous membranes, on which microtraumas can appear, you can become infected with it even if ejaculation does not occur.

At the same time, a man cannot become infected with HIV:

1. When shaking hands.
2. After a mosquito bite.
3. In contact with animals.

1. Through food, water and household items.
2. By airborne droplets (coughing, sneezing).
3. Through a half-smoked cigarette.

Why do men ejaculate quickly? Read the detailed article.

Cough and pneumonia

The main symptoms of the disease also include a dry, non-productive cough, which is also often attributed to a cold, flu or allergies. After a course of antihistamines, antibacterial drugs or inhalations, relief does not occur. The cough remains dry for a long time, causing complications for all organs of the respiratory system both after a few months and after a year.

As the disease progresses, the cough develops into pneumonia. Its development is accompanied by loss of body weight. Pneumonia rarely develops in men with strong immune systems.

Signs and symptoms of HIV infection in men and women in stage IIIA

Stage IIIA of HIV infection is a transition period from persistent generalized lymphadenopathy to the AIDS-associated complex, which is a clinical manifestation of HIV-induced secondary immunodeficiency.

• During this period, there is an increase in IgG, the number of CD4 lymphocytes is below 500 per 1 μl and is constantly decreasing, the phagocytic activity of leukocytes is reduced.
• Body temperature rises to 38°C, is intermittent, often constant, and lasts more than 1 month. Symptoms of intoxication are pronounced. The patient is concerned about weakness, fatigue, night sweats, and diarrhea. Body weight loss is up to 10%.
• There are AIDS marker diseases: bacterial (bacillary angiomatosis, listeriosis), viral (shingles), fungal (candidal stomatitis and esophagitis), parasitic (toxoplasmosis), diseases of the skin and mucous membranes (leukoplakia, cervical dysplasia, condylomas, candidiasis), repeated inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract of a bacterial nature (pharyngitis, sinusitis, bronchitis). Diseases during this period are uncomplicated.

Rice. 12. Shingles is most severe in adults with severe suppression of the immune system, which is observed, among other things, in AIDS.

Nail changes

The first signs of AIDS in men at a later stage are manifested by changes in the color or shape of the nail plates:

• the nail thickens;
• bends or delaminates;
• color changes;
• brown or black stripes appear on the entire surface of the nail plate.

Such symptoms are caused by the active development of the fungus, which the weakened resistant functions are unable to resist. Symptomatic therapy in such a situation will not bring the desired effect.

Signs and symptoms of HIV infection in stage IIIB (AIDS stage)

Stage IIIB of HIV infection represents a detailed picture of AIDS, characterized by profound suppression of the immune system and the development of opportunistic diseases that occur in severe form, threatening the patient’s life.

• Generalized (widespread) bacterial, fungal, parasitic, protozoal and viral diseases develop. Bacterial infections include extrapulmonary tuberculosis, mycobacteriosis, Salmonella septicemia, and recurrent bacterial pneumonia. Parasitic diseases include isosporiasis and cryptosporidiosis with prolonged (more than 1 month) diarrhea. Fungal diseases include Pneumocystis pneumonia, disseminated candidomycosis and histoplasmosis with extrapulmonary localization, disseminated or extrapulmonary coccidioidomycosis, cryptococcosis. Viral diseases include cytomegalovirus infections (except for damage to the liver, spleen and lymph nodes, cytomegalovirus retinitis with loss of vision), infections caused by the herpes simplex virus with localization on the skin and mucous membranes of a recurrent nature, herpetic esophagitis, bronchitis and pneumonia. Neoplasms develop in the form of Kaposi's sarcoma and brain lymphomas (Burkitt, immunoblastic, primary central nervous system), cervical cancer is invasive. Damage to the central nervous system (toxoplasma encephalitis, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy).
• The patient suffers from prolonged fever, cachexia is noted, in 60% the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, skin and mucous membranes are affected, and sepsis develops. Among the many clinical forms of the disease, damage to the central nervous system (HIV encephalopathy) - AIDS dementia - is especially severe. Neurological pathology develops (mononeuritis, myelopathy, damage to the cranial and peripheral nerves). Hormonal function in women changes (hypogonadism develops, the menstrual cycle is disrupted). The thyroid gland and adrenal glands are affected. Due to the developed exhaustion syndrome, patients spend almost most of the time in bed.
• During the period of AIDS, the number of CD4 lymphocytes decreases to 200 per 1 μl. Anemia, neutropenia, and idiopathic thrombocytopenia are noted. In the blood serum there is a decrease in total protein, and serum globulins increase.

Rice. 15. A comprehensive picture of AIDS. The photo shows patients with neoplasms in the form of Kaposi's sarcoma (photo on the left) and lymphoma (photo on the right).

Rice. 16. Signs of HIV infection in women in the later stages of HIV. The photo shows invasive cervical cancer.

The more severe the symptoms of HIV in the early stages and the longer they appear in the patient, the faster AIDS develops. Some men and women experience a mild (asymptomatic) course of HIV infection, which is a good prognostic sign.

Poor concentration, disorientation, increased anxiety

How the infection progresses in later stages - with the active development of pathogenic cells and in the absence of adequate therapy, other symptoms appear. Later stages of development of the disease are accompanied by difficulties in apperception of reality. Confusion appears, and it is difficult for a man to concentrate on anything. Additionally, the following symptoms occur:

• deterioration in memory quality;
• change in character and behavior;
• the appearance of irritability;
• increased aggressiveness;
• violation of fine motor skills.

Terminal stage of HIV infection

The transition to the terminal stage of AIDS in men and women occurs when the level of CD4 lymphocytes decreases to 50 or below per 1 μl. During this period, an uncontrollable course of the disease is observed and an unfavorable outcome is expected in the near future. The patient is exhausted, depressed and loses faith in recovery.

The lower the level of CD4 lymphocytes, the more severe the manifestations of infections and the shorter the duration of the terminal stage of HIV infection.

Signs and symptoms of end-stage HIV infection

• The patient develops atypical mycobacteriosis, CMV (cytomegalovirus) retinitis, cryptococcal meningitis, widespread aspergillosis, disseminated histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis and bartonnellosis, and leukoencephalitis progresses.
• Symptoms of diseases overlap each other. The patient's body quickly becomes exhausted. Due to constant fever, severe symptoms of intoxication and cachexia, the patient is constantly in bed. Diarrhea and loss of appetite leads to weight loss. Dementia develops.
• Viremia increases, CD4 lymphocyte counts reach critically minimal values.

Rice. 17. Terminal stage of the disease. Complete loss of the patient's faith in recovery. In the photo on the left is an AIDS patient with severe somatic pathology, in the photo on the right is a patient with a common form of Kaposi's sarcoma.

Attacks of nausea or vomiting, intestinal upset

In the early stages of development of the immunodeficiency virus, a man almost always suffers from attacks of nausea or vomiting. More often they are episodic and short-term. There is no obvious reason. Severe intestinal upset often occurs, which can last for several days or even weeks. Such symptoms are also characteristic of other stages of the disease.

They also often appear as a result of taking medications while undergoing antiretroviral therapy, since such drugs are powerful. They place a strong burden on the entire body, on the organs of the digestive system, which reacts with such manifestations.

If diarrhea or vomiting occurs frequently, you should promptly contact a gastroenterologist or infectious disease specialist, who will prescribe appropriate tests and decide how to treat. If HIV infection is confirmed, treatment is symptomatic. If there is no treatment aimed at suppressing the activity of the virus, this can lead to dehydration, severe exhaustion, weight loss, and cachexia.

Signs and symptoms of HIV in men and women in stage IIA (acute febrile)

After the incubation period, the stage of primary manifestations of HIV infection develops. It is caused by the direct interaction of the patient’s body with the immunodeficiency virus and is divided into:

• IIA - acute febrile stage of HIV.
• IIB - asymptomatic stage of HIV.
• IIB - stage of persistent generalized lymphadenopathy.

The duration of stage IIA (acute febrile) HIV in men and women ranges from 2 to 4 weeks (usually 7 to 10 days). It is associated with a massive release of HIV into the systemic bloodstream and the spread of viruses throughout the body. Changes in the patient’s body during this period are nonspecific and are so diverse and multiple that they create certain difficulties when a doctor diagnoses HIV infection during this period. Despite this, the acute febrile phase passes on its own even without specific treatment and passes into the next stage of HIV - asymptomatic. Primary infection in some patients is asymptomatic, while in other patients the most severe clinical picture of the disease quickly develops.

Mononucleosis-like syndrome in HIV

In 50 - 90% of cases of HIV patients in the early stages of the disease in men and women, mononucleosis-like syndrome (acute retroviral syndrome) develops. This condition develops as a result of the patient’s active immune response to HIV infection.

Mononucleosis-like syndrome occurs with fever, pharyngitis, rash, headaches, muscle and joint pain, diarrhea and lymphadenopathy, the spleen and liver are enlarged. Meningitis, encephalopathy and neuropathy develop less frequently.

In some cases, acute retroviral syndrome has manifestations of certain opportunistic infections that develop against the background of deep depression of cellular and humoral immunity. Cases of the development of oral candidiasis and candidal esophagitis, Pneumocystis pneumonia, cytomegalovirus colitis, tuberculosis and cerebral toxoplasmosis are recorded.

In men and women with mononucleosis-like syndrome, the progression of HIV infection and the transition to the AIDS stage occurs more quickly, and an unfavorable outcome is observed in the next 2 to 3 years.

In the blood there is a decrease in CD4 lymphocytes and platelets, an increase in the level of CD8 lymphocytes and transaminases. A high viral load is detected. The process is completed within 1 to 6 weeks even without treatment. In severe cases, patients are hospitalized.

Rice. 3. Feeling tired, malaise, headaches, muscle and joint pain, fever, diarrhea, severe night sweats are symptoms of HIV in the early stages.

Intoxication syndrome in HIV

In the acute febrile stage, 96% of patients have an increase in body temperature. Fever reaches 380C and lasts 1 - 3 weeks and often. Half of all patients develop headaches, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, malaise, and severe night sweats.

Fever and malaise are the most common symptoms of HIV during the febrile period, while weight loss and oral thrush are the most specific.

Enlarged lymph nodes in HIV

74% of men and women have enlarged lymph nodes. For HIV infection in the febrile stage, a gradual increase in the posterior cervical and occipital, then submandibular, supraclavicular, axillary, ulnar and inguinal lymph nodes is especially characteristic. They have a dough-like consistency, reach 3 cm in diameter, are mobile, and not fused to the surrounding tissues. After 4 weeks, the lymph nodes return to normal size, but in some cases the process transforms into persistent generalized lymphadenopathy. Enlarged lymph nodes in the acute stage occur against the background of elevated body temperature, weakness, sweating, and fatigue.

Rice. 4. Enlarged lymph nodes are the first signs of HIV infection in men and women.

HIV rash

In 70% of cases, a rash appears in men and women in the early acute period of the disease. More often, an erythematous rash (areas of redness of varying sizes) and a maculopapular rash (areas of compaction) are recorded. Features of the rash in HIV infection: the rash is profuse, often purple in color, symmetrical, localized on the torso, its individual elements can also be located on the neck and face, does not peel off, does not bother the patient, is similar to rashes caused by measles, rubella, syphilis and infectious diseases mononucleosis. The rash disappears within 2 - 3 weeks.

Sometimes patients develop small hemorrhages in the skin or mucous membranes up to 3 cm in diameter (ecchymoses); with minor injuries, hematomas may appear.

In the acute stage of HIV, a vesiculopapular rash often appears, characteristic of herpes infection and molluscum contagiosum.

Rice. 5. A rash with HIV infection on the body is the first sign of the disease.

Rice. 6. HIV rash on the torso and arms.

Neurological disorders in HIV

Neurological disorders in the acute stage of HIV are observed in 12% of cases. Lymphocytic meningitis, encephalopathy and myelopathy develop.

Rice. 7. A severe form of herpetic lesions of the mucous membrane of the lips, oral cavity and eyes is the first sign of HIV infection.

Gastrointestinal symptoms

During the acute period, every third man and woman develops diarrhea, in 27% of cases nausea and vomiting are noted, abdominal pain often appears, and body weight decreases.

Laboratory diagnosis of HIV in the acute febrile stage

Viral replication in the acute stage is most active, however, the number of CD4+ lymphocytes always remains more than 500 per 1 μl and only with a sharp suppression of the immune system does the indicator drop to the level of development of opportunistic infections.

The CD4/CD8 ratio is less than 1. The higher the viral load, the more infectious the patient is during this period.

Antibodies to HIV and the maximum concentration of viruses in the stage of primary manifestations are detected at the end of the acute febrile stage. In 96% of men and women they appear by the end of the third month from the moment of infection, in the remaining patients - after 6 months. The test for the detection of antibodies to HIV in the acute febrile stage is repeated after a few weeks, since it is the timely administration of antiretroviral therapy during this period that is most beneficial for the patient.

Antibodies to HIV p24 proteins are detected; antibodies produced by the patient’s body are detected using ELISA and immunoblotting. Viral load (detection of RNA viruses) is determined using PCR.

High levels of antibodies and low levels of viral load occur during asymptomatic HIV infection in the acute period and indicate control of the patient’s immune system over the level of viruses in the blood.

During the clinically pronounced period, the viral load is quite high, but with the appearance of specific antibodies it drops, and the symptoms of HIV infection weaken and then disappear completely even without treatment.

Rice. 8. Severe form of candidiasis (thrush) of the oral cavity in an HIV patient.

The older the patient is, the faster HIV infection progresses to the AIDS stage.

General terms

Those men who are attentive to their health can feel the first signs of illness within a week. Usually there is malaise, constant weakness and signs of a cold. A month after infection, body temperature increases, usually low-grade.

After two months, the disease transforms into an asymptomatic stage. This is the insidiousness of the disease, since it can be further recognized only at later stages, when organs and systems suffer from irreversible changes.

Many men are interested in whether HIV can be asymptomatic. Doctors answer this question in the affirmative. After a certain period of time, symptoms appear, it is impossible to say for sure, since each organism is individual, the immune system fights differently. Sometimes the first signs are visible after a week, and sometimes only after months or even years.

Signs and symptoms of HIV in men and women in stage IIB (asymptomatic)

At the end of the acute stage of HIV infection, a certain balance is established in the patient’s body, when the patient’s immune system restrains the reproduction of viruses for many months (usually 1 - 2 months) and even years (up to 5 - 10 years). On average, the asymptomatic stage of HIV lasts 6 months. During this period, the patient feels well and leads his usual lifestyle, but at the same time, he is a source of HIV (asymptomatic carrier of the virus). Highly active antiretroviral therapy prolongs this stage for many decades, during which the patient leads a normal life. In addition, the likelihood of infecting others is significantly reduced.

The number of lymphocytes in the blood is within normal limits. The results of ELISA and immunoblotting studies are positive.

HIV tests, prices, when to get tested

According to testing standards, blood for HIV is donated three times after the threat of infection - 3, 6 and 12 months from the moment of suspected infection. It is not at all necessary to do this at home using pharmacy tests or in private clinics. The best decision would be to contact the AIDS CENTER, which is in every city, and describe the situation to the doctor. The doctor will decide whether emergency prevention of HIV infection is needed (antiviral drugs are prescribed) or whether there is no threat to health. Examination and treatment when visiting such a center are free of charge.

Victoria Druzhikina

Neurologist, Therapist

You can donate blood yourself in a private clinic; the average cost of the test is 400 rubles.

Life expectancy with timely detection of the virus and early initiation of therapy does not differ from the life expectancy of a person without HIV infection. Without treatment, the condition enters the AIDS phase, which is approximately 5-10 years before death.

This article has been verified by a current qualified physician, Victoria Druzhikina, and can be considered a reliable source of information for site users.

Bibliography

1.https://aidsvolgograd.ru/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Clinical-protocols-HIV-2017.pdf 2. https://pharmacta.ru/d/2015-10-30_4994.pdf https: //www.rcrz.kz/docs/clinic_protocol/2015/Therapy/Infectious%20diseases/3%20HIV%20u%20adults.pdf
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Severe course of the disease

The secondary stage of infection is characterized by more severe symptoms. Depending on the severity of symptoms, this period is divided into three stages:

• First. Occurs six or even ten years after infection. It manifests itself in insignificant weight loss (up to ten percent of the initial body weight), bacterial or fungal infections of the epidermis and mucous membranes. A person suffers from shingles, sinusitis, boils, herpes, and candidiasis. The patient's performance is noticeably reduced, constant fatigue and lethargy appear.
• Second stage. It can occur seven to ten years after the virus enters the body. It is characterized by severe weight loss (over ten percent of the initial body weight), long periods of increased temperature, prolonged, one might say, chronic diarrhea, deep lesions of the epidermis (this includes vesicular or multi-colored lichen, rubrophytosis, molluscum contagiosum). Lung damage (pneumonia, tuberculosis) is also possible. White formations similar to threads may appear on the lateral surface of the tongue, which can also appear on the mucous membranes of the cheeks. The so-called Kaposi's sarcoma, that is, a malignant tumor that develops from the vessels of the circulatory and/or lymphatic system, can be detected on the skin.
• Third stage. Occurs ten, less often – twelve years after infection. This period is characterized by extreme exhaustion of the patient, complete loss of appetite, and constant pronounced weakness. Non-healing erosions and ulcers appear on the skin, fungi and other harmful microorganisms infect internal organs, causing parasitic and protozoal infections. Candidiasis of the respiratory tract or gastrointestinal tract, meningitis, and various malignant tumors that are localized in different parts of the body may develop. At the third stage, the heart and kidneys are affected, mycobacteria attack all vital organs, tuberculosis develops, and not only of the lungs, but also of the bones, intestines, and brain. Pathologies also affect the central nervous system. The patient loses the ability to move, suffers from dementia or decreased concentration.

After the stage of secondary manifestations, the terminal stage begins, characterized by a worsening of the symptoms listed above. At this stage of the progression of the disease, treatment is already losing its effectiveness, and all lesions acquire irreversible consequences. A couple of months later the person dies.

The main symptoms of HIV in women

Infection with the virus occurs unnoticed by the body; no changes are observed for several weeks. The first signs in girls appear after 2-10 weeks. The symptoms resemble a common cold: the temperature rises (up to 39-40 degrees), the throat hurts, and a dry cough begins. Gradually, the clinical picture is complemented by other signs of disturbances in the body.

All people infected with HIV experience:

• weight loss;
• constant weakness;
• problems with coordination;
• constant exacerbations of herpes;
• increased sweating;
• skin rash;
• pain in joints and muscles;
• indigestion;
• problems with stool;
• enlarged spleen and liver;
• swelling in the area of ​​the lymph nodes.

In the presence of chronic diseases, their exacerbation occurs. Treatment practically does not help, periods of remission become shorter and shorter or disappear completely. Imaginary colds are accompanied by pathologies that develop in the mouth - stomatitis, gingivitis, periodontitis.

Dysfunctions in the endocrine system are noticeable, the female body experiences constant hormonal disruptions. Because of this, the menstrual cycle is disrupted: periods become irregular, discharge may be scanty or too abundant, PMS worsens, and uterine pain intensifies.

When the body recognizes the virus, the production of interlekin, a biological substance that sends a signal to the brain, begins. Heat transfer is reduced and energy production is increased. This leads to a periodic increase in temperature, which is repeated randomly.

Lymph nodes enlarge due to the triggering of the production of antibodies against the virus. Over time, internal symptoms are joined by external manifestations: compactions, minor hemorrhages, red spots on the body. This occurs because the virus cells damage macrophages and T lymphocytes in the skin. Local immunity also decreases, and the susceptibility of pathogens increases.

HIV and pregnancy

An infected woman is able to conceive and bear a healthy child if the patient takes appropriate medications before pregnancy and during pregnancy. However, the condition of a pregnant woman may worsen as the child grows, and the development of concomitant diseases is possible.

Attention! There is a risk of a child contracting HIV from a sick mother. Breastfeeding in the case of an infected mother is excluded.

To avoid complications, a pregnant woman should closely monitor her health, lead a healthy lifestyle and strictly follow all doctor’s instructions.

The first signs of the disease: symptoms in the early stages

The treacherous nature of the infection lies in the fact that HIV in its early stages either proceeds latently (that is, with virtually no initial symptoms) or is mistaken for another disease with similar symptoms. According to some statistics, in the female population, signs of HIV appear more clearly, and therefore diagnosing the disease is noticeably easier. Such consolation may be weak, but it certainly inspires clear hope for a more favorable outcome. What are the initial signs of HIV in women infected with this disease?

This is the problem: neither on the 1st day after contracting HIV infection, nor on the 5th, and in general, during the first 2 weeks, a woman may not even realize that a terrible infection is developing inside her .

But in the period between the 2nd and 6th weeks from the start of the virus entering the body, the first symptoms of HIV may manifest themselves as the following:

• an infected woman suddenly develops a high (up to 38-40 °C) body temperature;
• the condition is aggravated by signs of chills, fever, general loss of strength, muscle pain;
• the following changes occur in the digestive system: diarrhea that occurs without prior dietary disturbances, nausea, and sometimes vomiting;
• a woman's night sleep is accompanied by increased sweating;
• menstruation, if it occurs during this period, occurs more abundantly, and increased intrapelvic pain joins the pathology (what to do with painful periods is described here);
• lymph nodes located in the neck, armpits or groin area (and possibly simultaneously in all these places) increase significantly in size; at an early stage, the symptom may not be visualized, but is easily detected by palpation;
• this condition can last from 2-3 days or more, but not longer than 7-10 days;
• recurrent fungal infections of any location; shingles.

Due to the similarity and non-uniqueness of the symptoms of HIV, in the early stages they are mistaken for colds, flu, mononucleosis, and so on, which they prefer to treat independently at home. But consultation with a doctor should not be neglected in any case, because only if HIV infection is detected at an early stage and undergoes adequate treatment, the disease does not become a death sentence.

Diagnostics

To detect HIV infection, the following studies are carried out:

• determination of antibodies in HIV (ELISA, CLLA, immunoblotting);
• detection of virus RNA.

ELISA and CLLA for HIV are the main screening methods for detecting infection. The research is carried out in two stages. First, the blood is sent to a screening laboratory, where antibodies to the virus are determined using standard methods. If a negative result is obtained, the study is terminated. The analysis form will contain o.

If the result is positive, two more studies are performed using the same test system. If two negative results are detected, the blood sample is considered negative and HIV is not confirmed.

If at least one of the research results is positive, the material is sent to the second stage to the reference laboratory. Here, other test systems are used for diagnostics. If the result is negative, HIV is not confirmed.

If a positive result is obtained, the reference laboratory performs immunoblotting - a highly sensitive method that allows for the guaranteed detection of different groups of antibodies to HIV. If antibodies from two different groups are detected, the result is considered positive, and HIV is confirmed. This conclusion is final.

In case of a positive test result, research continues

An important point: a negative result does not guarantee the absence of infection. If the study was carried out during the “seronegative window”, antibodies to HIV may not be detected. If there are risk factors, it is recommended to repeat the text after 6 months.

Preventing your health from HIV

According to a CDC analysis, in the Russian Federation, 1 out of 8 people living with the HIV virus do not know that they are carriers of the disease. A slight increase in people infected with this virus against the general background indicates the stability of this disease. The fight against this disease cannot be done in one place. Only proper prevention of this disease will not lead to dire consequences, but will also not allow it to spread further.

It is extremely important that you monitor your health; as soon as symptoms indicating HIV disease appear, you should immediately undergo examination at a medical facility. You should also take steps to prevent HIV infection by avoiding contact with potentially infectious body fluids.

You can reduce your risk of contracting HIV by taking preventative measures:

• Practice safe sex: Use a condom during vaginal and anal sex. Currently, this is a fairly effective way to protect against HIV;
• Avoid reusing syringe needles: Never share or reuse needles. Many cities have needle exchange programs that provide sterile needles.
• Take precautions: Always assume that blood may be infectious. Protect yourself by using latex gloves and other barriers.
• Get tested for HIV: Getting tested is the only way to know if you have HIV. If you test positive for HIV, you can get treatment and take steps to reduce the risk of spreading the virus to others.

Treatment

As HIV progresses, it attacks and destroys enough CD4 cells that the vascular system can no longer fight infection and disease. When this happens, HIV infection can lead to AIDS. The time it takes for HIV to reach AIDS can range from a few months to ten years or even longer. However, not everyone who has HIV will develop AIDS.

Your doctor prescribes drugs and treatments that help control HIV, called combination antiretroviral therapy (CRRT). The combination of drugs is also sometimes called highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). This type of drug therapy can prevent the virus from recurring. Although it can slow the progression of HIV and improve quality of life, treatment is most effective when started early.

You can get tested for the presence of the virus quickly and easily; it only requires a small amount of blood and time. Many health clinics, community health centers, and substance abuse programs offer anonymous HIV testing. You can also order an at-home HIV testing kit online, such as the OraQuick In-Home HIV Test, which does not require you to send a sample to a laboratory. Just test yourself and see the results in 20-40 minutes.

You may feel anxious or afraid about getting tested for HIV, but know that a quick diagnosis is critical. There is no cure for HIV. However, early treatment can slow the progression of the disease and significantly improve quality of life.

A 2013 study found that people with HIV live normal lives if they start treatment before their immune systems become severely damaged. Additionally, a study conducted by the National Institutes of Health found that early treatment helped people with HIV reduce the risk of transmitting the infection to their partners.

Diagnosis and testing for HIV infection

Key indicators that allow you to make a diagnosis and stage of HIV infection are:

• The level of viral load, or the rate of reproduction of the HIV virus in the blood. The higher the load, the worse the prognosis.

For example, patients who became infected 12 years ago and have a load of less than 1 thousand copies of the virus per 1 ml have practically no AIDS. And in patients with a load of more than 100 thousand copies, symptoms of AIDS occurred in 80% of cases.

• The number of CD 4, or T - helper cells (one of the types of T - lymphocytes, the main “target” of the virus. Thus, when the number of CD 4 is more than 500 in 1 μl, an initial asymptomatic course is possible; when they fall below 200, symptoms of AIDS indicator diseases begin .

The simplest diagnostic method is a rapid method for determining antibodies and antigens of the virus in a blood test. If a positive conclusion is given, then two more tests are performed with the same blood serum (which is stored until the result is obtained). If they are positive, then an immunoblotting reaction is performed, which makes it possible to determine specific antibodies to specific viral proteins. These are the viral envelope glycoproteins gp41, gp120 and gp160.

If two or three results are positive, then this confirms the diagnosis of HIV. Immune blotting is carried out in a special institution - the center for the prevention and control of AIDS.

As for the level of viral load, this is nothing more than PCR - a quantitative diagnostic option. The manifestation of HIV symptoms in a woman directly depends on her level.

How is HIV transmitted?

This means that it is safe to kiss normally (as long as there are no existing contractions or sores, which take a few weeks to appear) and it is safe to touch and interact normally with a person with HIV.

Don't assume that someone who is asymptomatic doesn't have HIV. People can be infected with HIV for many years before developing AIDS, which is one of the most dangerous diseases and anyone infected can pass on the virus.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1.2 million Americans have HIV, and the prevalence of the infection is rising among men. In 2019, the estimated number of HIV diagnoses in the Russian Federation was 39,513. Approximately 81 percent of these diagnoses were among men aged 13 years or older.

The development of AIDS can affect people of any race, gender, or sexual orientation. The virus spreads from person to person through contact with infected blood, semen or vaginal fluids. Having unprotected sex with an infected partner significantly increases the risk of contracting and developing HIV.

Symptoms of HIV

By contacting a health care facility, you can take a test for AIDS symptoms in men, both anonymously and on a general basis. If you are sexually active or have ever used syringe needles of questionable origin, and especially if any of the AIDS symptoms presented here are detected in men, you need to get tested. It is recommended for those with an active sexual lifestyle to be tested annually for HIV, without waiting for the first signs to appear in men, as well as for people who use intravenous drugs, people who are sexually active and have multiple partners, and people who have had sex with an infected person. These have a high chance of being infected with HIV.

Common diseases in HIV-infected women

With HIV infection, women are more likely to encounter various diseases of the reproductive system and pelvic organs.

Thrush is most common in HIV-infected women

The most common pathology is chronic thrush.

Bacterial vaginosis

Gardnerellosis (bacterial vaginosis) is a non-inflammatory disease that is not sexually transmitted. The causes are a pathological disturbance of the natural microflora of the vagina. Under normal conditions, the genital tract retains an acidic environment, which prevents the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms.

Important!

With HIV, the death of lactobacilli, which are necessary to maintain an acidic environment, occurs. Bacterial agents begin to actively reproduce, and a nonspecific microflora is formed.

The disease manifests itself with the following symptoms:

• pain during sex;
• pain when urinating;
• unpleasant discharge;
• itching;
• burning;
• dryness of the vaginal mucous membranes.

A smear test can detect vaginosis. Treatment includes sanitization of the vagina and restoration of the number of lactobacilli. The disease responds well to treatment, but due to the action of the virus it can regularly worsen and quickly become chronic.

Human papillomavirus

HPV is an infectious disease that has several routes of transmission. For infection, direct bodily contact or the use of personal belongings that the patient has recently used is sufficient. Many people have been carrying the virus for decades and are unaware of it.

HPV can remain dormant for a long time. The main provocateur of exacerbation is a decrease in the body’s natural defenses. The main symptom of papillomavirus is skin manifestations (what it looks like can be seen in the photo).

Wart-shaped formations on a woman’s body are a sign of papillomavirus

Papillomas can appear on different parts of the body

The patient develops numerous small neoplasms – condylomas or papillomas.

The main danger of HPV is the transformation of neoplasms into a malignant tumor. With HIV, the likelihood of this increases significantly: a weakened immune system is not able to fight pathological cells. It is recommended to remove the growths; constant relapses are possible.

Inflammation of the pelvic organs

Inflammatory processes affecting the pelvic organs are a common cause of female infertility. The causative agents are chlamydia and gonococci.

With pelvic inflammatory diseases, vaginal itching is not the only symptom that interferes with life

The disease is accompanied by a number of unpleasant symptoms, which include:

• burning and itching in the vagina;
• lower abdominal pain;
• foul-smelling copious discharge;
• redness of the mucous membrane;
• swelling of the labia.

Sexual intercourse is accompanied by pain in the vagina. After sex, there is a discharge containing traces of blood. The pain syndrome gradually intensifies and begins to appear during any movements.

At-risk groups

According to medical statistics, about 70% of all people infected with HIV are men. Because the bulk of those infected are homosexuals or bisexuals. The risk of infection is especially high for the receiving party during unprotected sexual contact. With this infection, the virus penetrates the body quickly enough.

The current difficulty associated with the spread of the virus is that men ignore the symptoms of HIV infection in the early stages and refuse to visit a doctor. During the latent form, without seeking help, a man can become a source of infection, thereby wasting valuable time.

Therefore, it is necessary to take measures to prevent infection and monitor men’s health.

How to identify an insidious disease

To begin treatment, HIV infection must be identified and identified. To do this, the person is given a referral for a blood test. It is also called an HIV test. Thanks to this, it is possible to detect antibodies to the virus in the blood, which may indicate its presence in the body. If the test is positive, then additional research is prescribed.

If a child was born from an HIV-infected mother, then it is also necessary to take biomaterial from him for tests. Such children are observed in clinics from the moment of birth until they are three years old, until doctors make sure that the baby is not infected with the virus.

If infection occurs, the child is prescribed appropriate treatment.

How is this pathology treated? Let's find out.