STD Symptoms, HIV Symptoms & HIV Test London

What is it

HIV is a retrovirus that can lead to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), a condition in which the immune system begins to fail, leading to life-threatening infections we ordinarily would be able to fight naturally. Infection with HIV occurs by the transfer of blood, semen, vaginal fluid, pre-ejaculate, and breast milk. Eventually most HIV-infected individuals develop AIDS.

Symptoms

After exposure, symptoms may include simple flu-like ailments such as fever, swollen glands, sore throat, rash, muscle ache, tiredness, nausea, headache and weight loss. As AIDS develops, infections which would otherwise be fought naturally or subdued can emerge and weaken the body. Certain types of cancer may also develop, and lead to continual deterioration and death.

Other Adverse Consequences

Without knowing she is HIV Positive and receiving appropriate medical care, a mother is at a high risk of passing on the virus to her child. Proper management can reduce the risk of transmission.

Test

Blood, including various types of methods that can test more rapidly after potential exposure and which may give a result within 60 seconds.

Treatment

There is currently no cure for HIV or AIDS. Treatment consists of highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART), and advances continue to be made improving both quality of life and prognosis.