In the United States, about two out of every three new cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections in women are due to unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected partner, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Sharing infected needles for drug use is another leading cause
Early symptoms of HIV infection may be mild and easily unnoticed and dismissed. Unfortunately, even without notice able symptoms, an infected person can still pass the virus on to others.
Read on to learn some common symptoms of HIV in women. Early Symptoms Can Be Fleeting In the early weeks after becoming infected with HIV, it is not uncommon for women to be asymptomatic. some may have mild flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, and lack of energy. Often, these symptoms go away within a few weeks. In some cases, it may take as many as ten years for more severe symptoms to appear. During this time, the virus can still be transmitted from one person to another.
1.Swollen glands we all have lymph nodes throughout our bodies, including the neck, back of the head, armpits, and groin.
As part ofthe immune system, our lymph nodes work to fend off infections. As the HIV infection begins to spread, the immune system kicks into high gear. The result is enlarged lymph nodes, commonly known as swollen glands. Itis often one of the first signs of HIV. In people infected with HIV, swollen glands may last for several months.
Infections HIV makes it harder for the immune system to fight off germs, so it’s easier for opportunistic infections to take hold. Some of these include pneumonia, tuberculosis, and hepatitisC. People with HIV are more prone to infections of the skin, eyes, lungs, kidneys, digestive tract, and brain. It may also be more difficult to treat common ailments like the flu.Taking extra precautions, including frequent hand washing and taking HIV medications can help
2. Fever and Night SweatsPeople infected with HIV may experience long periods of low-grade fever. According to Ohio State University Wexler Medical Center, a temperature between 99.8 and 100.8 degrees Fahrenheit is considered to be a low-grade fever. A fever means that something is wrong, but the cause isn’t always obvious. Because it’s a low-grade fever, those who are unaware of their HIV-positive status may ignore the symptom. Sometimes, fever is accompanied by nighttime sweats that can interfere with sleep.
3. CoughA dry, persistent cough can be a long term symptom of HIV infection. This symptom is not typically cured with medications like antibiotics and coughsuppressants. Coughing may be an early symptom as the body reacts to the new virus. It is also a long term symptom caused by the damaged immune system. The cough may develop into pneumonia, which can bea serious symptom with dangerous effects.
4. Skin RashSkin rash is one of the most common symptoms of HIV. Called the “HIV rash”, this symptom can be seen in approximately 85% of cases. The rash may develop into blisters at the warm moist areas of the body, including genitals and facial regions. Most rashes develop on the trunk of the body. The appearance of the rash is red bumps that may itch and peel.
5. Swollen Lymph NodesSwollen lymph nodes may be a starting sign of HIV infection. 67% of HIV sufferers may experience some sort of lymph node swelling. This commonly occurs in the neck, under arms, and groin region. Lymph nodes are distributed all throughout the bodyso any abnormal swelling could be a symptom. Lymph nodes swell as the immune system is activated and the body fights off infection.
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