HIV specifically attacks the white blood cells of the immune system (CD4+ T-helper cells) and allows other infections and/or diseases to develop such as fungal infections and pneumonia. It is estimated that 34 million people worldwide have been infected by the HIV virus. The majority of people infected by HIV develop a flu-like illness within a month or two after the virus enters the body. This illness, known as primary or acute HIV infection, may last for a few weeks.
The symptoms of HIV usually happen within one or two months of infection but, in some cases, they may not manifest themselves for up to a decade after infection.
Over 50% of people infected with HIV experience Acute Retroviral Syndrome (ARS) which is a condition that occurs within the first two to four weeks after someone is infected with the human immunodeficiency virus. It is the primary stage of infection and lasts until the body has created antibodies against HIV
During this stage of infection, the virus is duplicating at a rapid rate. Unlike other viruses, the body’s immune system is unable to fight off HIV, and the infection can live in cells for long periods of time. Over time, the virus attacks and destroys immune cells, leaving the immune system unable to fight off other diseases and infections. When this happens, HIV infection can lead to the development of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
Because of its similar symptoms, HIV is easily confused with colds or influenza and in some cases can even be mistaken for syphilis or hepatitis. It is important to be tested for AIDS by a health practitioner if the following symptoms appear as early treatment is important.
In some people, HIV infection will create no symptoms at all until the damage to the immune system has progressed which is why it is important to be regularly tested if HIV infection may have been contracted through unprotected intercourse or blood contact.
Early signs and symptoms of HIV infection
Fever
Fever is one of the first indicators is often accompanied by sore throat, swollen lymph nodes or weakness.
Swollen lymph glands, muscles aches and joint pain
The lymph glands are mostly situated in the groin, armpits or neck and become activated when there is infection in the body.
Sore throat and headache
Sore throats and headaches can appear before the body has produced HIV antibodies. It takes a few weeks or even a few months for the antibodies to show in a test. A test can be done that can detect viral RNA about nine days after infection.
Nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea
Between 30 and 60% of the people who are infected have short-term nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea in the early period after infection.
Dry cough and shortness of breath
A persistent dry cough can easily be mistaken as an allergy but can often be an early sign of infection. An insidious cough that goes on for weeks is usually present in patients with advanced HIV infection.
Fatigue
As the body system is wasted by the infection, it generates an inflammatory response, which cause exhaustion. This can be both an early or later sign of HIV.
Skin rash or mouth and genital ulcers
Skin rashes on the arms, legs, face or stomach are usual in HIV or AIDS and can appear early or late throughout the illness.
Nail changes
One of the main indicators of the infection appear to be changes in the nails. Thickening or bending of the nails or staining (dark lines) are often visible. This is usually because of candida infections or other contagious diseases and is cause by a depleted immune system.
Although the symptoms of primary HIV infection may be mild enough to go unnoticed, the amount of virus in the blood stream (viral load) is particularly high at this time. As a result, HIV infection spreads more efficiently during primary infection than during the next stage of infection.
Clinical latent infection
In some people, persistent swelling of lymph nodes occurs during clinical latent HIV. Otherwise, there are no specific signs and symptoms. HIV remains in the body, however, as free virus and in infected white blood cells. Clinical latent infection typically lasts eight to 10 years. A few people stay in this stage even longer, but others progress to more-severe disease much sooner.
If the HIV infection is not treated, it typically progresses to AIDS in about 10 years. By the time AIDS develops, the immune system has been severely damaged, making the infected person susceptible to opportunistic infections that would not trouble a person with a healthy immune system.
Later signs and symptoms of HIV infection:
Blurred and distorted vision and floaters
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis is a virus belonging to the herpes family and is a sight-threatening disease frequently associated with HIV infection. It occurs because the compromised immune system cannot cope with this virus which affects the eyes.
When CMV invades the retina, it begins to compromise the light-sensitive receptors that enable a person to see. This does not cause any pain, but floaters or small specks may appear and there will be reduced visual acuity (blurred vision) or decreased peripheral vision. Light flashes and sudden vision loss also can occur.
The disease usually starts in one eye but often involves both eyes. If left untreated, CMV retinitis can cause a detached retina and blindness in just two to six months. AIDS patients sometimes also experience changes to the retina and optic nerve without clear signs of CMV retinitis.
Weight reduction
Unexplained weight loss can be a later sign of infection, and it could range from little to extreme. The loss in weight might indicate a secondary infection such as toxoplasmosis, a parasitic illness that can influence the mind; a herpes called cytomegalovirus and simple yeast infections such as thrush.
Night sweats
Half of the HIV infected experience night sweats during the later stages of HIV infection.
Yeast infections
Thrush (a mouth yeast infection) can appear in the later stages, but yeast infections in other parts of the body can appear too. It is a common fungus that makes it difficult to swallow because it resides in the oesophagus. See Fungal and Yeast Infections for natural remedies to help the body fight off these infections.
Anxiety or trouble concentrating
HIV related dementia can appear late in the illness. It can cause memory loss and behavioural issues, for example touchiness or resentment.
Cold sores or genital herpes
The cold sores (genital herpes) can be a sign of HIV or ARS. They appear in the later stages. Having herpes is also a risk factor for getting HIV, because it causes ulcers that allow HIV to enter the body through sex. It is reported that people with HIV have severe herpes and get it more often because of the decimated immune system.
Shivering and numbness
Late HIV stages may cause neuropathy, causing shivering and numbness in the limbs. This also happens to diabetes patients. It is because the nerves are being damaged by the infection.
An enlarged heart
This can be caused by the virus affecting the heart muscles and lining or the immune response causing inflammation of the heart.
Menstrual irregularities
Lighter periods mark the later stages of advanced HIV disease. The earlier ages of menopause (47 to 48 years for infected women against 49 to 51 for uninfected), can also be associated with HIV infection.
Pneumonia
Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is a serious infection that causes inflammation and fluid build-up in the lungs. It is caused by a fungus called Pneumocystis jiroveci which normally people are able to ward off. However those with an impaired immune system, such as HIV infected individuals, are unable to fight off this infection and in some cases it can be fatal. .
Natural treatments for HIV/AIDS
To correct the blood count of a person suffering with HIV 4 -6 cups a day of carrot, beetroot and beetroot leaf juice can work within a few days.
Chanca piedra is a powerful botanical medicinal herb which has proven to be effective against the HIV virus due to the repandusinic acid it contains.
Pau d’Arco tea or tincture concoctions have reportedly had beneficial effects for HIV/AIDS patients especially when used in conjunction with cat’s claw and jergon sacha.
Maqui berry is a Chilean ‘super fruit’ which contains the highest number of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds than any other known natural food. Regular consumption can reduce pain and inflammation, promote detoxification and stimulate the immune system to fight against infection and diseases like HIV/AIDS.
Ten drops a day of echinacea tincture and about five cups of echinacea root tea can help boost the immune system.
For more ways to improve the immune system to fight off the HIV virus see>>
- Anti-microbial healing plants and foods
- Brine pickling for health
- Feed your friendly bacteria
- Healthy diet to aid recovery
- Immune system disorders
- Sprouting greens
- Virus infections
- Vitamin D
Related subjects
- A-Z of ailments
- Bacterial infections and natural antibiotics
- Bacterial infections and natural antibiotics
- Chlamydia
- Fungal and yeast infections
- Genital herpes
- Genital warts
- Hepatitis virus infection
- Human papilloma virus infection (HPV)
- Immune system disorders
- Infertility
- Mosquito-borne infections
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Pubic lice (‘crabs’)
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Syphilis
- Thrush
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Virus infections
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