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2006-11-21 01:21:34 · 10 answers · asked by Orlando 1 in Health Diseases & Conditions STDs

10 answers

Whether or not you used protection is a good start...........

2006-11-21 01:24:09 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1 1

How can I tell if I have HIV?

The first symptoms of HIV infection can resemble symptoms of common cold or flu viruses. The symptoms of early infection can also be similar to the symptoms of other sexually transmitted diseases and other infections such as "mono" or hepatitis, which are much more commonly and more easily transmitted. Stress and anxiety can also produce symptoms in some people, even though they do not have HIV.

Some people who contract HIV experience very strong symptoms, but others experience none at all. Those who do have symptoms generally experience fever, fatigue, and, often, rash. Other common symptoms can include headache, swollen lymph nodes, and sore throat. These symptoms can occur within days or weeks of the initial exposure to the virus during a period called primary or acute HIV infection.

Because of the nonspecific symptoms associated with primary or acute HIV infection, symptoms are not a reliable way to diagnose HIV infection. Testing for HIV antibodies is the only way to know whether you have been infected; however, the HIV antibody test only works after the infected person's immune system develops antibodies to HIV. During the "window period" between the initial infection and the period in which antibodies are detectable (which can be from 2 weeks to 6 months, but is usually 3 months), standard HIV testing is ineffective.

If you are concerned that you may have recently acquired HIV and have symptoms described above, see a doctor. A doctor or other health care professional can help determine whether you may be infected with HIV or another infection. If HIV infection is suspected, he or she may perform a Polymerase Chain Reaction (commonly called "PCR") test to determine whether HIV is present in the blood.

Once the primary or acute infection is over, most people do not experience any visible symptoms for another 8-10 years. Left untreated, the immune system becomes increasingly weaker and the disease progresses to AIDS. The next symptoms experienced by individuals infected with the virus are often associated with the "opportunistic infections" that target individuals with AIDS such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, and toxoplasmosis.


How can I tell if someone else has HIV?

There is no way to know for sure if someone else has HIV. Many people with HIV look perfectly healthy. Other people who are sick with HIV may have symptoms that are identical to other common illnesses. You cannot tell by looking whether someone is HIV positive. The only way to know for sure is if someone tells you. It is important to consider how well you know someone and how much you trust them when talking about sex and HIV.

2006-11-23 10:57:19 · answer #2 · answered by shelz042000 3 · 0 0

Some people who become infected with HIV do not notice any immediate change in their health. However, some suffer from a brief flu-like illness within a few weeks of becoming infected, or develop a rash or swollen glands. These symptoms do not indicate the development of AIDS, and they usually disappear within a few days or weeks.

Many illnesses have flu-like symptoms or cause swollen glands. You cannot have HIV unless you have been directly exposed to the virus. HIV can be transmitted during sexual intercourse with an infected person, through contact with infected blood or breastmilk, or during unsafe injections or medical procedures.

The only way you can find out whether or not you have been infected is to have an HIV test.

Talk to your doctor and make an appointment A.S.A.P

2006-11-21 10:05:42 · answer #3 · answered by Maria M 2 · 0 0

The only way to determine for sure whether you have HIV/AIDS is to be tested for HIV infection. You cannot rely on symptoms to know whether or not you are infected with HIV. Many people who are infected with HIV do not have any symptoms at all for many years. But for those who do, what are the symptoms of HIV? First...three things to keep in mind.

Important Fact #1
No one should assume they are infected if they have any of these symptoms. Each of these symptoms can be related to other illnesses.

Important Fact #2
The only way to determine whether you are infected is to be tested for HIV infection.

Important Fact #3
You cannot rely on symptoms to establish that a person has AIDS. The symptoms of AIDS are similar to the symptoms of many other illnesses. AIDS is a medical diagnosis made by a doctor based on specific criteria established by the CDC.

The Symptoms of HIV Infection:
•rapid weight loss
•dry cough
•recurring fever or profuse night sweats
•profound and unexplained fatigue
•swollen lymph glands in the armpits, groin, or neck
(lymphadenopathy)
• diarrhea that lasts for more than a week
• white spots or unusual blemishes on the tongue, in the
mouth, or in the throat (thrush)
• pneumonia
•red, brown, pink, or purplish blotches on or under the
skin or inside the mouth, nose, or eyelids (Kaposi
Sarcoma)
•memory loss, depression, and other neurological
disorders

Furthermore, an HIV infected person may not experience any symptoms during 10-12 years after being infected.

2006-11-21 13:31:47 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1 0

There are no outward, easily visible symptoms specific to HIV. The only way to know if you have HIV is through a test (blood or otherwise) which specifically tests for HIV.

There have been reports of severe flu-like symptoms shortly after seroconversion (that is, contracting HIV) but those symptoms can not be relied upon for a diagnosis. Chances are, if you have flu-like symptoms, you have the flu.

2006-11-21 23:02:20 · answer #5 · answered by BubbaB 4 · 0 0

many people male or female dont get any symptoms and as it can take up 2 three months b4 it shows up in ur system u should b sure 2 check if u believe u may have it. u should really have check ups b4 u start sexual intimacey with ne new partner and after u have for wat eva reason stopped sexual intimatcey with them. its easiest that way as it narrows down the person u may have cought ne sti's from, hopefully u get the all clear gd luck xx

2006-11-22 12:35:06 · answer #6 · answered by blossom 3 · 0 0

There isn't any. If you are worried that you may have it, get straight to your doctor and get a blood test taken.

2006-11-21 09:27:59 · answer #7 · answered by claire d 2 · 0 0

None.

2006-11-21 09:23:50 · answer #8 · answered by Mr. Peachy® 7 · 0 1

AIDS

2006-11-23 17:37:54 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0 1

death

2006-11-22 11:04:50 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0 1

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