Every year, thousands of people are diagnosed with HIV. According to the CDC, by the end of 2018, an estimated had HIV. Unfortunately, HIV does not have a cure. Those who have been diagnosed with this chronic illness must learn how to manage it. This is problematic, especially for the 14% of HIV-positive people who are unaware of their status. That is why it is critical to conduct research online and become familiar with the disease's risk factors and early symptoms.

When someone develops HIV symptoms, they must begin therapy right away. Treatments can lessen the burden of HIV, as well as its progression and potential to spread the disease. A simple internet search will reveal further information about how HIV is transmitted.

Here's all you need to know about HIV's symptoms, risks, and prevention.

HIV Stages and Symptoms

HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, is a virus that hinders the body's immune system from combating illness. This is accomplished by damaging bacteria-fighting cells, putting you at risk for additional infections and disorders.

This disease is found in the state of. Each stage has its own set of symptoms, which progress and get more serious as time goes on. Keep in mind that symptoms vary and can affect people with HIV in different ways, so there is a wide spectrum of severity.

1st stage

Those with HIV in stage one may experience flu-like symptoms one to four weeks after contracting the virus. It's the body's natural reaction to being infected with HIV.

Stage one HIV symptoms include:

Fever\sRash

Throat irritation

glands swollen

Headache

Pain in the muscles and joints

After a week or two, these symptoms should subside. People may only experience a few of these symptoms or none at all in some circumstances. They will then go to the asymptomatic stage.

Stage 2 The virus is still growing, albeit at a reduced rate in this stage. This means you could be perfectly healthy and not unwell at all. Many people are not diagnosed with HIV because of this stage.

Because HIV can go undetected for up to 15 years without causing symptoms, the only way to know if you're infected is to get tested. If you don't get treatment, you can distribute HIV to your sexual partners at this point.

3rd stage

Step three of HIV is the final stage. For people who do not receive therapy, this is when the virus weakens the immune system. It also implies that your illness will progress to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).

Stage 3 AIDS symptoms may include:

Rapid weight loss is possible.

Night sweats or recurrent fever

Lymph glands swollen in the armpits, groyne, or neck

Diarrhea that persists for more than a week

Blotches on or beneath the skin, as well as inside the mouth, nose, and eyelids (red, brown, pink or purple in color)

Sores in the mouth, anus, or the genital area

Disorders of the nervous system (memory loss, depression, etc.)

HIV-Related Risk Factors

According to the World Health Organization, millions of people have died as a result of HIV around the world. Access to correct diagnosis and treatment could mean the difference between life and death for a patient. It's also beneficial to know if you're at a high risk of contracting HIV.

According to the CDC, HIV is spread in the United States through unprotected intercourse or sharing needles and other injection equipment with an HIV positive person. Other examples include:

Getting infected with a sexually transmitted infection for the second time

Receiving potentially dangerous injections, blood transfusions, and tissue transplants

Receiving a potentially dangerous medical procedure involving sterile cutting or piercing

Having needle stick injuries as a result of an accident

Data also reveals which demographics are more likely to be infected with HIV. In 2018, young people aged 13 to 24 received the majority of new HIV diagnoses. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, gay and bisexual males in this age bracket accounted for 83 percent of all new diagnoses. Young homosexual and bisexual Black males are also more infected than older gay and bisexual guys.

If you have one of these risk factors or are experiencing HIV-related symptoms, you should get tested right away. If the test is positive, you can begin treatment and prevent the disease from spreading to others.

HIV/AIDS Survivors

Antiretroviral therapy will be given to those who test positive for HIV. This is a drug that helps you stay healthy by lowering your viral load, or the quantity of HIV in your body. This drug is advised for anybody who tests positive, even if it isn't a cure. According to the CDC, most people can bring the infection under control within a few days.

Although antiretroviral medication does not prevent the spread of other sexually transmitted illnesses, having an undetectable viral load virtually eliminates the chance of HIV transmission to a sexual partner. As a result, it's critical that people stay on top of their treatment and monitor their viral load. Consult your doctor to learn more about this and other HIV-safe living options.