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HIV/AIDS symptoms in men

Dealing with HIV and AIDS is never pleasant. These two horrible diseases are perhaps two of the scariest in the world, and men who are given the diagnosis of either HIV or AIDS often find themselves feeling hopeless and looking towards a life full of drugs and illness. However, it is important to know that a diagnosis of HIV or AIDS doesn’t mean the end of the world, and there are many new medications that make it possible to live a normal life. However, much of this relies on getting diagnosed as early as possible so that you can start treatment right away. While there are a number of early warning signs that appear within a week or so, many of these symptoms are similar to the flu or other minor infections, and they often go away after a week or so. This makes it difficult to tell when the symptoms are a sign of HIV/AIDS and when they’re a sign of something else.

Some of the signs that show up right away but are easily mistaken for other illnesses include fever, headache, tiredness, diarrhea, and nausea. Also, the lymph nodes located in the groin, neck, and armpits may be swollen. Again, however, these symptoms are all very common symptoms of many different illnesses, so the only way to really know if they are caused by HIV or AIDS is to be tested. Some people who have HIV will not have any symptoms right away—in fact, it can actually take years for signs to appear.

There are some later signs of HIV and AIDS as well. These signs, however, are also symptoms of other diseases and illnesses; so again, you may not realize that the base cause of these signs is HIV or AIDS. They include things such as rapid weight loss and very profound fatigue. Other issues include a dry cough or swollen lymph glands. You may also find yourself dealing with a recurring fever, night sweats, or diarrhea that lasts for longer than a week. You may notice some blemishes or white spots on your tongue, mouth, or in the back of your throat, or you may notice blotches on your skin, inside your mouth, or on your eyelids. Another symptom of HIV and AIDS is pneumonia.

There are some much more severe symptoms that can also occur with HIV and AIDS. These include memory loss, various neurological disorders, and severe depression. Because the HIV virus destroys the white blood cells that help the body fight off diseases, it’s possible for someone with HIV or AIDS to develop many other illnesses or diseases. When the white blood cell count reaches the point where many other diseases and infections occur, the person is said to have moved from HIV to AIDS, and their health is at risk from many different dangers.

A person can live with HIV for many years and never develop any symptoms or signs of the disease. It’s also possible that HIV will never develop into AIDS. However, it is still completely possible to transmit HIV to others even if you never show symptoms. If you suspect you have HIV or AIDS, it is important to be tested right away and to do everything you can to keep others from coming into contact with your semen, blood, or other bodily fluids. Take all precautions, including always using protection during sex. Remember, even if you aren’t certain as to the cause of your symptoms, it’s always best to be safe rather than take risks with your own health and the health of your partner.

Last updated on Feb 10th, 2010 and filed under Men's Health. Both comments and pings are currently closed.