Other than the obvious things, can someone tell me the symptoms of HIV?

At what point did I mention being worried about having HIV. I am actually tested ever 6 months. The biggest question to you all is do you really know the true symptoms. It seems from these answers that you really do not. Maybe it's time for you to get tested to be sure of yourselves.

From everything I hear it feels like having the flu for a bit, then goes away and if you don't get tested you may not know you have it until you get full blown AIDS.

If you've done a high risk activity, and you're HIV negative go to the ER and ask for PEP, post exposure prophylactics, they are the best option to try to save you from the disease. But it's only good if you get it within I think 72 hours.

I am sorry you feel that some of our answers are not enough to the point. When you first posted your question you should have stated you are tested regularly. If you will notice I did state that there are no symptoms that are specific to HIV infection. Report It

I and many others here, I am sure, resent being referred to as "a holes" I for one have seen 100's die of this disease, and it infuriates me to see some ask opened ended questions and then criticize the answers given. Report It

Why do you want to know? If you think you have it, go to a doctor.

I'm not sure what's "obvious" to you...among other things, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, swollen lymph nodes. I'm sure you probably know it's possible to live with the virus for years and be asymptomatic. There are no hard and fast rules short of a blood test.

Mysterious lesions on the skin are also a telltale warning of Kaposi's sarcoma - if you notice any brown or scaly patches on your skin, get to a doctor immediately.

What about HIV/AIDS is "obvious?"

Early Flu-like symptoms are usually overlooked as being other viral infections.

http://www.youandaids.org/About%20HIVAID...

http://aids.about.com/cs/conditions/tp/s...

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/hivaids/p...

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hiv-aid...

http://www.webmd.com/hiv-aids/guide/HIV-...

http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/resources/qa/inde...

http://www.ehealthmd.com/library/aids/AD...



If you are concerned about HIV infection...GET TESTED!

Reoccuring and persistant infections, colds and flus. Slowed healing process. Overgrowth of yeast, on your tongue (thrush) or privates,also reoccuring. Weight loss when not dieting. If you have engaged in activities that put you at risk, you can continue to stress out about it; or you can go get tested and find out for sure. This may be scarey and stressfull- but so is wondering all the time! If you catch it early on, the survival rate and lifespan, is way better, than if you wait to get sick. Catching it early on, can help you in alot of ways. You can get the medications that slow the virus, and you can prolong your life, through safe practices. You can also prevent infecting other people. Just because you have HIV, doesnt mean you cant have a personal life, there are alot of people that are living with HIV. Knowledge is power. Plus, if you are negative, then you can stop stressing, and be thankful, and be more safe in the future.

Go get tested if you are concerned

Having unprotected sex even just once.

Jeeezzzzee!!!! Here we are 30 years into this pandemic and people are still asking these questions.

For HIV1 the first few YEARS!! there are no symptoms that are specific to HIV. You are infected and can pass it without knowing you have it. Once you become asymptomatic your viral count has risen to that where the determination that you have AIDS is made.

For HIV2 the time from infection to the time asymtomatic is very much shorter. Sometimes months not years, and determination of AIDS gives you months not years of life even with the most advanced treatments.

LOOK AT THE REFERENCES "DEATH" HAS GIVEN.

GET YOURSELF TESTED. NOW!!!!

THAT GOES FOR EVERYONE WHO COMES TO THIS SITE AND HAS ANY KIND OF CONTACT THAT INVOLVES THE EXCHANGE OF ANY KIND OF BODILY FLUIDS WITH ANOTHER PERSON WITH WHOM YOU HAVE ANYKIND OF RELATIONSHIP, BE IT SEX, BE IT SHARED NEEDLES, WHAT EVER!!!

World wide millions will die from this disease. In the United States 100's of thousands will die. Our friends, neighbors, workmates, family do not have to die from this disease. IT IS PREVENTABLE.

Please, if you are not sure of your status, get tested. If you know that you are HIV- then stay that way by abstaining from at risk behavior. If you are HIV+ then please be responsible and take all nessary percautions to protect your partners.

Sometimes I feel like a puff of smoke in a hurricane. But if everyone here tells just two other persons and they each tell just two others, Get Tested. Then there is a chance we can conquer this disease.

Also, volunteer your time with organizations that provide services to AIDS victims and thier families. Just a couple of hours a week will show you how really bad the toll of this disease is in human suffering. You can't make it just look at the pictures and say "Ok" You have to make personal.