What are the first signs of HIV?
An early-stage HIV infection can cause different symptoms depending on the person. Do you think you might have HIV or are experiencing symptoms? This article discusses the causes of HIV, what early symptoms can look like, how to prevent infection, and how to get tested.
Table of Contents
- What is HIV and how can it be transmitted?
- What are the stages of an HIV infection?
- What are the signs and symptoms of an acute HIV infection?
- How to prevent an HIV infection
- What are the possible consequences of an HIV infection?
- Summary
What is HIV and how can it be transmitted?
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks and weakens the immune system by destroying CD4 cells, which help fight infections. Without treatment, HIV can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) (RIVM, 2022). AIDS can be a life-threatening condition. That’s why it’s important to detect HIV infections and start treatment early.
HIV is only transmitted through infected bodily fluids such as blood, genital secretions, and breast milk. You can only become infected with HIV if fluids containing the virus enter your bloodstream—for example, through unprotected sex or a contaminated needle. This means that HIV cannot be transmitted through hugging, saliva, sharing food, or using the same toilet. It is also possible for mothers to transmit HIV to their baby during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or childbirth, although this is rare in Western Europe, as all pregnant women are tested for HIV and receive treatment if necessary (SOA AIDS Netherlands, 2021).
What are the stages of an HIV infection?
An HIV infection consists of three stages, each with different symptoms:
Acute HIV infection: This is the earliest stage of HIV and usually develops 2–4 weeks after infection. During acute HIV infection, the virus multiplies rapidly and is present in very high concentrations in the blood.
Chronic HIV infection: In this stage, HIV continues to replicate in the body at low levels. People with chronic HIV infection may not show any symptoms and can remain in this stage for ten years or more. People receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) can remain in this stage for life. When ART is taken correctly, the amount of HIV in the blood can drop to undetectable levels. This means that a person with HIV has virtually no risk of transmitting the virus to others, even during unprotected sex.
AIDS: In the final stage of HIV infection, the immune system is so severely damaged that it can no longer fight off opportunistic infections. These infections occur more frequently in people with weakened immune systems. People with AIDS have high levels of HIV in their blood and a low CD4 cell count. Although AIDS is a life-threatening illness, many people with HIV do not reach this stage because ART medications are available.
What are the signs and symptoms of an acute HIV infection?
The symptoms of an acute HIV infection can vary, and some people experience no symptoms at all. When symptoms do occur, they typically appear within the first two months after infection and resemble a flu-like illness. Common symptoms include:
How to prevent an HIV infection
Today, there are many ways to prevent HIV, live well with HIV, and get tested.
Practice safer sex
To prevent HIV transmission during sex, use condoms for every vaginal or anal sexual encounter. Consider using lubricants to reduce the risk of condoms breaking during sex, and be sure to clean sex toys thoroughly or use a condom with them. If your partner has HIV, encourage them to start and stay on treatment (CDC, 2022).
Get tested regularly
The only way to know for sure if you are infected with HIV is to get tested. Knowing your HIV status allows you to start treatment earlier and limit the health consequences of HIV. It also helps prevent HIV transmission to others, as many people in the early stages of infection do not show symptoms. You can get tested by your GP, at a sexual health clinic, or simply and anonymously at home, such as with the comprehensive STI test from Homed-IQ.
Use PrEP
Pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, is a medication that can be taken to prevent HIV. When taken as prescribed, PrEP is highly effective at preventing HIV. PrEP is available to certain risk groups at sexual health clinics or through general practitioners.
Use clean needles
To prevent HIV, it is important to use clean needles and not share them with others. In certain countries, drug users can exchange used syringes for clean ones to reduce the risk of HIV and other blood-borne infections. If you have accidentally come into contact with a contaminated needle, seek medical attention immediately. Medications can be given to prevent HIV infection, even if you have been exposed.
HIV screening during pregnancy
HIV screening during pregnancy is important and effective in preventing transmission of the virus from mother to child. HIV can be transmitted during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. To prevent HIV transmission to the baby, all pregnant women in many countries are tested for HIV and treated if necessary.
What are the possible consequences of an HIV infection?
If left untreated, HIV can progress to AIDS. In AIDS, the body becomes vulnerable to opportunistic infections that can eventually lead to death. Opportunistic infections include certain cancers, fungal infections, parasites, tuberculosis, and pneumonia. To prevent AIDS and opportunistic infections, it is important to start and maintain ART treatment.
Summary
In summary, an early-stage HIV infection can occur with or without symptoms. Most often, the first symptoms of HIV resemble the flu. It is important to understand how HIV is transmitted and which activities are risky in order to prevent infection. One of the most effective ways to prevent HIV transmission is to get tested regularly for HIV or other sexually transmitted infections. Homed-IQ offers a wide range of sexual health tests that can be done completely anonymously and can detect a possible infection. Not sure which test you need? Then use our test guide!
