Symptoms of HIV in women in the early stages

According to statistics, in 2019 in Russia, among people with positive HIV status, 51.9% were women. In this article, you will learn the early symptoms of HIV in women, how doctors diagnose the condition, and what treatment options are available.

Symptoms of HIV in women

Within a few weeks of becoming infected with HIV, the body goes through seroconversion , a period during which the virus multiplies rapidly. During seroconversion, the virus can cause a flu-like illness called acute HIV infection. After this initial period, further symptoms may develop, especially if the person does not receive treatment.

Let's look at the most common symptoms of HIV among women.

FLU SYMPTOMS

Once infected with HIV, the immune system begins to respond to the virus. Symptoms may include:

• fatigue;
• headache;
• low-grade fever;
• cough;
• sneezing;
• runny nose or stuffiness.

The symptoms described above usually appear 2 to 6 weeks after becoming infected with HIV and can last from a week to a month. These symptoms are very similar to those of a cold or flu, so a person may not initially associate them with HIV.

ENLARGATION OF LYMPH NODES

Swollen lymph nodes may be one of the earliest symptoms of HIV after an acute infection. After acute HIV infection, the virus continues to multiply, but at a slower rate. Not all people show any symptoms at this stage.

The neck may swell under the jaw and behind the ears. The swelling can cause problems swallowing, and it can last from a few days to months.

Treatment can slow or stop the progression of the virus. Even without treatment, some people do not experience additional symptoms for a decade after the initial infection.

VAGINAL Yeast INFECTIONS

HIV may increase the risk of developing vaginal yeast infections. Symptoms of these infections include:

• burning in and around the vagina;
• pain during sex;
• painful urination;
• thick white vaginal discharge.

Although almost all women get a yeast infection from time to time, HIV may cause them to occur more frequently.

When a person has HIV, their immune system spends a lot of energy fighting the virus. As a result, their body is unable to fight off other infections.

FAST WEIGHT LOSS

If a person does not receive treatment for HIV, the virus can cause nausea, diarrhea, poor digestion, and loss of appetite. Each of these problems can lead to rapid weight loss.

MOOD SWITCHES

Sometimes the progression of HIV can cause severe mood changes and neurological disorders in women.

This may be depression, causing feelings of hopelessness and intense sadness. Women may also experience stress and memory loss.

CHANGES IN SKIN CONDITION

HIV can cause unusual spots on the skin. They can be red, pink, brown or purple. These spots may appear in the mouth, eyelids or nose.

Sores may also develop on the lips, genitals, or anus. A list of different skin rashes can be found here .

CHANGES IN THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE

Some women with HIV notice lighter or heavier periods. Also, if a woman loses weight quickly, her periods may become irregular or disappear altogether.

Additionally, hormonal fluctuations can cause menstrual symptoms such as cramps, breast tenderness, and fatigue to change or worsen.

Diagnostics

Early diagnosis of HIV is critical, and many treatments can help a person overcome the virus without complications.

Various types of tests can help a doctor diagnose HIV. However, not all tests can detect the virus in its early stages.

HIV tests include:

• Antibody tests : These detect the presence of HIV antibodies or immune system proteins in blood or saliva samples. Rapid tests and at-home tests are usually antibody tests. They cannot detect HIV at an early stage;
• Antigen/antibody tests : These detect HIV antibodies and antigens or viral components in the blood. Antigen/antibody tests also cannot detect HIV early;
• Nucleic acid tests : These analyze the presence of HIV genetic material in the blood and can detect HIV at an early stage.

If you experience the symptoms listed above or suspect that you may have been infected with HIV, you should take a nucleic acid test, which will help you find out your HIV status in the early stages of the disease.

Treatment

Although there is currently no cure for HIV, doctors can prescribe drugs that stop or reduce the rate at which the virus multiplies. These medications come in several types called antiretroviral therapy .

A person may need to take one to three medications per day, depending on their needs. Ideally, if a person takes antiretroviral therapy as directed, the virus will stop reproducing.

Virus levels may decline until they are no longer detectable. However, HIV remains in the body, and if a person stops taking medication, the virus may begin to multiply again.

Forecast

Symptoms of HIV may resemble those of other diseases, and early symptoms may be similar to the flu. Women may also experience other symptoms of HIV, such as frequent vaginal yeast infections.

Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor in the early stages of HIV and undergo the necessary tests. Thanks to treatment innovations, people can manage HIV as they would any other chronic disease. Early treatment helps prevent symptoms of later stage HIV as well as the development of AIDS.