Most people neglect to take proper care of their sexual health. As a result, it becomes easier to contract sexually transmitted infections through mere sexual contact.
Sexually transmitted infections are infections caused by bacteria or viruses through unprotected sex. Most STIs have no symptoms. Only an STI check can address if you are infected. If left undiagnosed, it can become an STD (sexually transmitted disease.)
This article explains how a sexually transmitted infection called “HIV” progresses into a deadly STD called AIDS.
What is HIV?
HIV is an abbreviation for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is a fatal infection that attacks your immune system.
Simply put, it attacks the cells in your body that help fight infection. As a result, it becomes easier for the affected person to get sick.
HIV is commonly caused through unprotected sex, including vaginal, anal, or oral. It spreads from bodily fluids, such as vaginal discharge, semen, blood, or shared needles.
Going to a regular STI checks for HIV is helpful if you are performing unprotected sex. The sexual health exam can help diagnose if you have HIV, allowing you to take prompt treatment before HIV leads to AIDS.
How does HIV Become AIDS?
AIDS stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. It is the final stage of HIV infection. AIDS is an incurable stage of HIV that completely decreases the white blood cells of the immune system.
When the immune system gets extremely damaged or left untreated, it can lead to AIDS.
A person is infected for life once they have contracted HIV. There is no permanent cure for HIV. However, consistent treatment can help you control its effect. This is why a screening for HIV can help lower the chances of developing HIV or other sexually transmitted infections.
Remember that HIV is an STI. On the other hand, AIDS is a disease caused by HIV. People infected with HIV are at higher risk of developing AIDS.
Stages and Symptoms of HIV
The timeline for symptoms of HIV is categorised into its stages. There are three stages of HIV. AIDS is the last, final, and incurable stage.
1. Acute HIV Infection
This is an early stage of HIV. There are no prominent symptoms. Most symptoms become noticeable after 2-3 weeks of exposure. These signs may include;
- Fever and chills
- Constant headache
- Excessive fatigue
- Sore throat
- Swollen glands
2. Chronic HIV Infection
This stage develops if a person has not followed any medical treatment. It’s the second stage. It can be recovered or lowered with excessive antibiotic medication. The symptoms for this stage are;
- Coughing and flu
- Breathing difficulty
- Unexplained weight loss
- Diarrhoea
- High fever
3. AIDS
The last and incurable stage of HIV is AIDS. This stage decreases the CD4 cells (white blood cells) rapidly. As a result, the human body becomes invulnerable to fever, etc. The symptoms are;
- White spots inside the mouth
- High fever
- Genital or anal sores
- Rashes (red, purple, or brown)
- Constant weight loss
- Pneumonia
Conclusion
Seek immediate medical help if you notice any of these symptoms in yourself. The most reliable way to know if you have contracted HIV infection is from a medical STI test.