I think I may have AIDS, what are the symptoms and how do I check? Please help?

The only way to know if you are infected is to be tested for HIV infection. You cannot rely on symptoms to know whether or not you are infected. Many people who are infected with HIV do not have any symptoms at all for 10 years or more.

The following may be warning signs of advanced 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
* diarrhea that lasts for more than a week
* white spots or unusual blemishes on the tongue, in the mouth, or in the throat
* pneumonia
* red, brown, pink, or purplish blotches on or under the skin or inside the mouth, nose, or eyelids
* memory loss, depression, and other neurological disorders

However, no one should assume they are infected if they have any of these symptoms. Each of these symptoms can be related to other illnesses. Again, the only way to determine whether you are infected is to be tested for HIV infection. For information on where to find an HIV testing site, visit the National HIV Testing Resources Web siteLink Leaves the DHAP Internet Site or call CDC-INFO 24 Hours/Day at1-800-CDC-INFO (232-4636), 1-888-232-6348 (TTY), in English, en Espa帽ol. These resources are confidential. You can also ask your health care provider to give you an HIV test.

You also 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

Most people who have HIV, the virus that can lead to AIDS, have no symptoms for several years. HIV can not be diagnosed by symptoms.
The ONLY way to find out if you have HIV is to get an HIV test. Most people (more than 98%) who have HIV will test positive within 3 months. In extremely rare cases, someone may take up to 6 months for someone to test positive.

If you think you have been exposed to HIV, get tested 3 moths after possible exposure, then retest 3 months later. You can check the website hivtest.org to find free testing sites in your area. Testing is confidential.

You won't know until you're in the final stages, but even then you may think you have something else entirely. Basically, get tested by a doctor, and then if you have it, take precautions to avoid spreading it.

In its final stages, you become attacked by opportunistic infections that don't bother regular people with healthy immune systems.

I am about to seem harsh because I want what is best for you - GO AND GET FREAKING CHECKED BY A DOCTOR!!!!



... 0_o

was that too harsh? I hope not. Seriously tho - so many ppl ask for help with symptoms etc. to look for at home. You guys need to go and seek medical advice. Usually - if there is something that has made you consider the posibility, there is a chance that you may have it.

See a doctor. Please.

Have yourself tested it is the only way to find out if you have been infected.

Go see a dr and get tested. Thats the only way to be sure. Good luck

ask your doctor. that's the only way really. Good luck hope it turns out ok.