Unveiling the Signs: Recognizing AIDS Symptoms in Women

Symptoms of HIV depend on its infection stage. After coming in contact with the virus, women may experience different symptoms in all three stages. All these levels and their symptoms are explained below -

This is the first stage of HIV infection. During this time the immune system produces antibodies to fight the virus and keep the infection under control. Many women do not feel any symptoms at this stage. According to a 2016 study, 43 percent of women did not see any symptoms in acute HIV infection. Some women may experience fever and flu-like symptoms within 2-4 weeks of coming in contact with the virus. These symptoms can last for 7-14 days.

Flu
Early symptoms of HIV include fever. Flu-like symptoms may appear in women 2-6 weeks after contracting HIV. This includes headache, fever, cough and runny nose etc. These symptoms may last for a week or month. Often these symptoms are like cold or flu, in such a situation the person is not able to connect it with HIV.

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Swollen Lymph Nodes
When HIV infection spreads rapidly, a woman's lymph nodes begin to swell. In this condition, there may be swelling in the neck, under the jaw and behind the ears of the woman. There may be difficulty in swallowing food due to swelling. This symptom of HIV can last from a few days to months in women. If a woman is undergoing treatment for HIV, then in this situation the speed of the virus may stop.

Sore Throat
The problem of sore throat may occur in the first stage of HIV infection. This symptom is seen only in some women. Sore throat in a person infected with HIV can last for a few days, weeks or even months.

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Rapid Weight Loss
Women can also lose weight due to HIV infection. If a woman is not taking HIV treatment, she may experience symptoms like nausea, diarrhea and loss of appetite. In this situation the woman starts losing weight rapidly.

Mood Swings
Changes in the mood of women can also be seen when they have HIV. HIV can also cause neurological disorders in women. During this time, symptoms like despair, sadness and stress may be seen in the woman. Along with this, women can also experience memory loss.

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Skin Changes
Symptoms like abnormal spots on the skin may also be seen in women suffering from HIV. These spots can be red, pink, brown or purple. These spots may appear inside the mouth, eyelids or nose. Not only this, wounds can also occur on the mouth, genitals or anus.

Mouth Ulcers
A woman infected with HIV may also suffer from mouth ulcers in the first stage. These blisters can be painful and cause difficulty in eating. Some women may have red blisters on their cheeks and even inside their lips.

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Chronic infection is the second stage of HIV. In this the virus remains inside the body. In some women, no symptoms are seen during this period. At the same time, in some people the symptoms of the first stage can be seen seriously. In this, symptoms like cough, fatigue, weight loss, diarrhea and high fever can be felt.

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This is the most serious stage of HIV. In this condition the body's immune system becomes seriously weakened. During this period, serious symptoms may be seen in women, which are as follows -

Change In Periods
Changes in women's menstrual cycle can be the main symptom of HIV AIDS. During this period the woman may experience light or heavy bleeding. Not only this, periods may also be skipped or premenstrual syndrome (PMS) may occur. Changes in periods can also be normal, it is not necessarily a sign of HIV, but if other symptoms are also seen along with changes in periods, then HIV testing may be needed.

Pain In The Lower Abdomen
Pain in the lower abdomen may be felt due to infection of the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes. This is called pelvic inflammatory disease. Symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease may be seen in women suffering from HIV. In this condition, abnormal vaginal discharge, fever, pain during sex and pain in the upper abdomen may also be felt.

Vaginal Yeast Infection
Women who have HIV may suffer from frequent vaginal yeast infections. In this condition, symptoms like white discharge from the vagina, pain during sexual activity, pain while urinating and burning sensation in the vagina can be seen.

At the same time, almost all women have to face vaginal yeast infection at some time or the other. If this happens again and again, it could be a sign of HIV. In such a situation, it is advisable to get tested. Vaginal yeast infection is quite common in women. This is not the only symptom of HIV. When a person has HIV, his immune system uses energy to respond to the virus. Because of this the body is not able to fight other infections.

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HIV virus can also spread from one person to another through unsafe sex, using personal items of an infected person. Apart from this, this virus can spread even by using a single injection. According to the CDC, all people aged 13-64 must get HIV tested from time to time. Apart from this, every pregnant woman is also advised to get an HIV test done. If you notice any symptoms of HIV virus, definitely consult a doctor.