Although we have the largest antiretroviral treatment (ART) program globally, HIV prevalence remains high among the general population In 2016 an estimated 3.4 million Nigerians while south Africa had 7 million victims in 2015 with 380,000 new infections and 180,000 people died from AIDS-related illnesses.
Symptoms associated with HIV and advanced HIV (Aids) do vary, however it’s important to seek immediate medical advice if you ever feel you may be experiencing changes to your state of health.
These are some of the symptoms to look out for:
Symptoms
Pain in the abdomen
Pain/difficulty swallowing
Dry cough
Fatigue
Fever
Loss of appetite
Malaise/illness
Night sweats/sweating
Nausea, persistent diarrhoea, vomiting, or watery diarrhoea
Mouth ulcers or white tongue
Groin sores or swelling
Opportunistic infection
Headache
Oral thrush
Pneumonia
Red blotches/skin rash
Severe unintentional weight loss
Swollen lymph nodes
During the first few weeks of having HIV, the immune system tries to mount a defense. This is similar to the defense that occurs if the immune system detects influenza, mononucleosis or rubella.
This immune response can cause some people to have initial symptoms that usually go away within a few weeks, while others may not notice any changes.
This is usually followed by a long period in which there are no symptoms at all.
Even if the person doesn’t take antiretroviral treatment, they usually remain in fairly good health for several years. But untreated HIV will, slowly and surely, damage the immune system (the body’s natural defense system), resulting in death from opportunistic diseases.