HIV - signs and safety measures

The symptoms of HIV are non-specific and commonly occur in a variety of conditions. To establish a diagnosis of HIV/AIDS a blood test that has been confirmed is essential. A physical examination and other tests are necessary to rule out other illnesses.

Individuals infected with HIV may have a loss of appetite for a number of reasons, including mouth ulcers and may experience tiredness and fatigue. Unexplained weight loss is a common problem in HIV and AIDS.

Since HIV attacks the immune system, those infected with the virus often experience weakness, tiredness and fatigue.

Shortness of breath and dyspnoea on exertion are commonly reported symptoms of HIV.

Those infected with HIV may experience unexplained fever, sweats and chills.

HIV positive people do complain of a sore throat.

Skin diseases can warn of progression of HIV disease, as many skin diseases are more likely to occur as the white blood cell (CD4) count decreases.

HIV positive people often nauseate and vomit. Diarrhoea could result from excessive vomiting and subsequent loss of fluids in the body.

Unexplained weight loss is a common problem in HIV and AIDS.

Body rashes that may or may not be itchy, usually red and spotty, on the upper body, face and neck may also occur.

HIV positive people often nauseate and vomit.

It is best that you confirm the HIV status of your partner before entering into a physical relation with him/her. Avoid sex with multiple partners.

Condoms provide the most effective means of preventing HIV and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) during sexual intercourse. But to be effective, condoms must be used correctly and must be applied onto the penis prior to any oral, vaginal, or anal contact.

Many people's first symptom of HIV involves the respiratory system like excessive cough.

Talk to your partner about past and present sexual history. Do not have sex with anyone who refuses to disclose information about their sexual status.

Under no circumstances share your personal items like shaving razors and blades with anyone.

Do not abuse alcohol or drugs. Being drunk may lead to reckless sexual behaviour, making you vulnerable to HIV and other STDs.

It is important to always keep in mind that all the above symptoms are non-specific and commonly occur in a variety of conditions. To establish a diagnosis of HIV/AIDS a blood test that has been confirmed is essential. A physical examination and other tests are necessary to rule out other illnesses.

Women who are planning for pregnancy, or are pregnant, should get themselves tested for HIV during pregnancy.

If either you or your partner or both of you are infected with HIV, always use a latex condom to prevent other sexually transmitted infections (STDs).

Dental dams are rectangular squares of latex that are used during oral sex, both oral-vaginal and oral-anal. During sex, latex dams are stretched across your partner's genitals to prevent your tongue from touching your partner's bodily secretions. They are effective method of disease prevention, but can be difficult to hold in place.

Never use dirty needles or syringes as HIV can also be acquired when infected blood enters the persons' blood by sharing needles.

Get the vaccines for hepatitis A and hepatitis B. People with recurrent infections are more prone to get infected with HIV if they enter into an unsafe, casual sexual exposure with partners of unknown HIV status.

Refraining from sexual activity is the surest way of preventing sexually transmitted HIV infection.

HIV positive mothers should avoid breast feeding because the virus can be transmitted to the infant though breast milk.

Get an HIV test done and seek timely treatment if you think you have been exposed to other sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhoea, syphilis, or chlamydia. Infection with these diseases can multiply the risk of contracting HIV.

Remember the ABCs to protect yourself: Abstinence or delaying first sex; Being safer by being faithful to one partner or by reducing the number of sexual partners; Correct and consistent use of condoms for sexually active young people, couples in which one partner is HIV-positive, sex workers and their clients, and anyone engaging in sexual activity with partners who may have been at risk of HIV exposure.

It is best to have a monogamous, long-term relationship with a partner whom you know well, who has been tested and found to be free from HIV.