Symptoms

HIV-Symptoms

I have heard that there are physical symptoms of discomfort that may indicate a recent HIV infection. What are these symptoms?

It is indeed possible that physical symptoms, which appear two to six weeks after a risk situation, may indicate that infection has occurred. The most common  symptoms are those which also occur with a common cold or the flu: fever, swelling of the glands or lymph nodes, inflammation of the throat, sore muscles, headache, diarrhoea, queasiness etc. Such symptoms occur within about seventy to eighty percent of those who have recently been infected with HIV, and they usually go away by themselves after a while. As you may have noted though: the symptoms are very common, they also occur with other infections and are therefore not necessarily an indication of HIV infection. Since there are many possible causes for these symptoms, it is advisable, in the weeks after a risk situation, not to look anxiously for these symptoms. If they do occur after all, it might be a good idea to consult a doctor and to openly discuss your fears. If you agree, a p24 antigen test or a combined test may be offered. If you want to get tested anonymously, you may decide to get tested in one of the university hospitals or in a laboratory. If the test results are negative, the result must be confirmed three months after the risk situation by an HIV antibody test or a combined test. Until then, your only options are: no sex or safe sex!

STI-Symptoms

Men and women might carry different symptoms which are signs for veneral diseases.. Itchiness, stinging and discharge are some of the typical symptoms, If these occur go and see a doctor at a dermatological outpatient department (men), your gynecologist (women) or a general practitioner.