AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is a chronic disease and life-threatening by nature. It is caused by HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). The virus damages the body’s immune system. As a result, your body loses its ability to fight diseases.
You have HIV does not mean you have AIDS. AIDS is the last stage of HIV. So, if you believe you are exposed to HIV, don’t think it is the end of the world for you. Ask, “where is free HIV testing near me?” This one question can save your life. Timely treatment of the infection can prevent the development of AIDS. “By timely testing, you give yourselves an opportunity to live healthy and quality life and do not succumb to the deadly AIDS,” remarks a doctor at a reputable STD clinic near Pentagon. HIV-positive people can lead a happy sex life. But this happens only when you undergo a test and take treatment. “You must catch the virus as soon as it enters your body. Don’t let it destroy your immunity,” adds the doctor. Primary/acute/early stage symptoms Symptoms usually surface within 2-4 weeks of contracting the virus. Doctors call it acute or primary infection. It can last for several weeks. • Fever • Rash • Headache • Joint and muscle pain • Cough • Sore throat • Night sweats • Weight loss • Diarrhea • Painful mouth sores • Swollen lymph glands on the neck Generally, people tend to ignore early stage HIV symptoms like rash, cold, sore throat, joint pain, diarrhea. These are deceptive symptoms. Say, you have diarrhea. What will be the first thing that comes to your mind – stomach trouble or HIV? Generally, it would be stomach trouble. Somebody who has rash might want to see a dermatologist. If you develop sore throat and cold, you would want to quarantine yourselves and call the doctor for a Covid-19 test rather than HIV! Important The quantity of virus, called viral load, is very high during primary infection stage. This means you can easily spread the infection. Secondary stage/clinical latent infection/chronic HIV In this stage, HIV stops producing symptoms. It is still there in your body and in your while blood cells. If you haven’t taken any treatment till now, you are paving way for full-blown AIDS. Last stage/AIDS If you still do not undergo a test and treatment, the virus continues to destroy your immune system. Finally, your immunity is severely damaged. You are now vulnerable to opportunistic infections and cancers – something that a healthy person won’t get. Symptoms of AIDS include: • Chills • Sweats • Recurring fever • Swollen lymph glands • Chronic diarrhea • Persistent fatigue • Persistent and unusual lesions or white spots in your mouth or on your tongue • Persistent weakness • Skin bumps or rashes • Weight loss Thanks to the advancement in medical science and antiviral treatments, a large chunk of the HIV-infected population does not develop AIDS. But this happens when you are aware and active in HIV testing. So, a person who asks, “is there a free HIV testing facility near me?” should not be scorned, but appreciated. He or she is aware and taking the big step that will contribute to stopping the spread of this deadly disease.
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