i heard that early HIV symptoms are like a mild flu. So how would you know you had it?
149312
Though it's not been scientifcally reseached enough, a person exposed to HIV will usually develop a 2-3 day "conversion flu", symptoms seem similar to nausea, food poisoning or fever.  It's when the viral load can achieve its highest hold in the body before the immune system has a chance to kick in,
340106
I'm HIV positive - and I'm going to respond to this from personal experience. \n\nI got HIV from having unprotected sex with someone who didn't know they were positive. It's a b*tch, but it happens. \n\n\nI think my favorite sentence in this question is the final line, "This organization is endorsed by many doctors and celebrities." Well - if Britney Spears says it's true - then I BELIEVE IT! Honestly, people - let's be intelligent. \n\n\nThe reason why some people are fine is because some people are different. Everyone's immune system responds differently to EVERYTHING - some do very well in fighting it on their own; others get sick very VERY quickly. The people who aren't on drugs and are doing fine - they should thank God for the blessing of a uniquely equipped immune system. \n\n\nI am like millions of others who are not so fortunate. My virus has it in for me: as in, I was infected and VERY sick almost immediately. I knew I was positive within a month, because for someone who NEVER got sick, I got TAKEN OUT! So,  I went to the doctor, and surprise!! (Lesson: use protection every time, kids)\n\nMy "viral loads" never went down (they were above 750,000 - above 80,000 is BAD), and my CD4 counts never came back up on their own (they were 274, then 208). I was never diagnosed with AIDS (CD4 of under 200), because after two months of seeing the trend, my doctor decided to strategically skip a month's blood test to see my counts before putting me on medication. She didn't want to have to give me that diagnosis. \n\nI went through a variety of tests (Both Genotype and Phenotype analysis of my particular virus) and went on a drug regimen in August of 2005. \n\nWithin a month (A MONTH!!) my viral load was down to 644, and my CD4's were 240. My drugs kicked the virus' butt, and I had ZERO side-effects. \n\nIn the past year I've been taking my drugs twice a day (basically, it ranks a few steps higher than brushing my teeth - but it's just as routine) and I FEEL GREAT!!!\n\nI love my drugs, I love my doctor, and I love the scientists that figured out a way to KEEP ME ALIVE. \n\nThe longer there are groups out there who perpetuate a myth that this, or that, or whatever - created this SYNDROME; and other ways than prescription medication can keep the virus from creating millions of copies of itself and breaking down a person's immune system, PEOPLE WILL DIE. \n\nThe scientists who studied AIDS in the 80's didn't decide that HIV was the virus that caused AIDS - they were convinced by the FACTS of how this virus operated, and the RESULTS of tests in the lab. \n\nI don't know what drugs you're on - but the ones I'm taking are the only reason I'm typing this.
552430
There are no symptoms usually until years have gone by with the disease. Of course, as you specified, once it becomes AIDS, you may experience night sweats, get sick easily, prolonged illness, feeling weak, your skin will probably have an odd tone to it, and more. You really can't determine if you have AIDS though unless you get tested. Also, don't try to diagnose yourself because these symptoms could easily be confused with other health issues. If you're concerned about yourself or someone you know, please get tested soon. No  matter the outcome, you'll have more peace of mind and be more responsible.
99847
There are a lot of symptoms that can be associated with HIV and/or AIDS, but the only way to be completely sure is to get tested.
34060
You know, I think the best way to answer that is to know someone going through it.  For instance, say your sister is your best friend in the world.  Everthing is fine until one day you get a call from her saying that she has be tested positive for HIV.  What's the first thing that will go through your mind?\n\nNow add the fact that the reason she has HIV is because she was in a collision a year or so prior and was injured. She needed a blood transfusion and showed no symptoms.  She and her wonderful husband decide to have a child and as a routine check finds out that she was HIV positive.  Now what do you think?\n\nWell, I think that if the person I've known all my life suddenly came down with a disease like cancer or had a heart attack, I wouldn't stay away from him or her, but try to understand them and help them if they need help.  I also imagine what it would be like not having them in my life just because I stayed away from them knowing they had heart disease.  \n\nYes, I know that things like HIV can be passed on. But seriously, how are they going to pass it on to me?  \n\nIn essence, I think that if someone has HIV, I should treat them as someone who doesn't, as long as I'm not planning on sleeping with them:)\n\nI hope that answered your question. :)
503597
The symptoms are the appearance of the warts:  soft, fleshy growths that vary in size, are frequently painless and can be raised, pointed or flat. The warts may appear singly or in clusters.\n\nThe average incubation period, which begins immediately after the initial sexual contact with an infected person, is usually two to three months but can range from one to 20 months. However, when HPV is transmitted, the virus infects the top layers of the skin and can remain inactive for months or years before warts or other signs of HPV infection appear.\n\nNow if you are really referring to the warts in relation to HIV:\nThe incubation period may be a few days to several weeks. Flu-like symptoms are common in the first stage of infection.  Symptoms are often mistaken for symptoms of another viral infection, such as the flu or mononucleosis, and may include:\n\nAbdominal cramps, nausea, or vomiting. \nDiarrhea. \nEnlarged lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, and groin. \nFever. \nHeadache. \nMuscle aches and joint pain. \nSkin rash. \nSore throat. \nWeight loss.
967337
Some people don't have any symptoms, you can continue your life normal and not notice you are giving it to tons of people, that is why it is necessary to have blood tests.  \n\nYou have to understand theres is a difference between having HIV ( the virus)  and having AIDS ( the disease) . If you have AIDS that means you are  going to die if you get anything, even a cold could kill you. People that have the virus HIV sometimes don't even notice and keep on having unprotected sex which results in a lot of people contaminated. if you have HIV you can have a normal life with the proper medication.\n\nIf you have doubts go to your doctor and have an exam, there is no way around it.
88176
Flu generally strikes 1 to 3 days after exposure to the virus. The onset of flu often seems sudden: people describe feeling like they've "been hit by a truck." Common flu symptoms include sudden onset, fever and chills, cough, muscle and joint pain, headache, fatigue and weakness. Some people also get a stuffy nose and sore throat.\n\nBoth the flu and a cold are viral infections and can cause symptoms such as coughing and sore throat. A cold is a minor viral infection of the nose and throat. The flu, however, is usually more severe, with higher fevers and the addition of aches and pains.\n:-)
80670
It seems that there is a lot of misinformation going around this site regarding AIDS and HIV. I have AIDS but I am far from being a "victim". As far as surviving, yes I am doing quite well on the regimen that my doctor gave me. I take a few pills, and thats pretty much it. I get colds just like everybody else but I am not on deaths door as some may think. Having HIV isn't the best thing in the world but it certainly isn't a death sentence either. My suggestion to you is to check out AIDSmeds.com or thebody.com and get concrete information there and not rely on your fellow peers on yahoo.
874366
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). ‘Acquired’ means not inherited. ‘Immune deficiency’ means a breakdown in the body’s immune system. ‘Syndrome’ refers to a range of diseases that may be associated with another disease.\n\nIn this case, diseases that take advantage of the body’s weakened immune system are used to define the onset of AIDS. In Australia, HIV is most commonly spread by sexual intercourse without a condom and through sharing needles, syringes and other injecting equipment.\n\nSymptoms\nSymptoms of HIV are common to a number of other illnesses. If you think you have been put at risk of getting HIV, or if you have any of the signs below (or a combination of them) for a month or longer, you should consult your doctor. Symptoms can include: \n\nFlu-like symptoms \nExtreme and constant tiredness \nFevers, chills and night sweats \nRapid weight loss for no known reason \nSwollen lymph glands in the neck, underarm or groin area \nWhite spots or unusual marks in the mouth \nSkin marks or bumps, either raised or flat, usually painless and purplish \nContinuous coughing or a dry cough \nDiarrhoea \nDecreased appetite.\nHow it is spread \nSomeone who has HIV may not have any symptoms, but they carry the virus and could pass it on through blood or body fluids. HIV can be spread in a number of ways, including: \nUnprotected vaginal or anal sex with someone who has HIV \nSharing injecting equipment and needles with someone who has HIV \nFrom a mother who has HIV to a child during pregnancy, birth or via breastfeeding \nUnprotected oral sex with someone who has HIV (this is less common).\nHIV can’t be spread by social contact\nThere is no evidence to suggest that HIV is spread by ordinary social or family contact such as hugging, shaking hands, sharing household items or through toilets seats, swimming pools or pets. HIV doesn’t live long outside of the body. It can be killed by ordinary household bleach, or soap and warm water.\n\nSafe sex explained\nSafe sex means sex where semen, vaginal secretions or blood are not exchanged between sexual partners. Some safe sexual activities include: \nMutual masturbation \nTouching \nCuddling \nBody-to-body rubbing \nErotic massage. \nCondoms \nUsing condoms properly during intercourse (anal and vaginal) will greatly reduce the risk of spreading HIV. Condoms must be used correctly and with plenty of lubricant. Water-based lubricant should be used, as other types of lubricants will cause condoms to break. Female condoms are also available and should also be used with lubricants. \n\nSafe sex can prevent infection\nHIV can be spread by unprotected anal or vaginal sex with someone who has HIV. Safe sex is recommended if either partner has HIV or if either partner is unsure of whether they have HIV. Other sexually transmissible infections (STIs) such as herpes, chlamydia and gonorrhoea can also be spread by unprotected sex. If either partner has an STI, or if either partner is unsure of whether they have an STI, safe sex is also recommended. HIV infection is more readily acquired or transmitted if either partner is infected with another STI.\n\nHIV and oral sex\nUnprotected oral sex is low risk for spreading HIV but using a condom or avoiding ejaculation into the mouth is recommended when either partner has ulcers or bleeding gums, or has recently brushed or flossed their teeth. Condom use may also prevent the spread of other STIs such as herpes, chlamydia and gonorrhoea. These STIs may be spread more easily by unprotected oral sex.\n\nHIV and deep kissing\nOnly very small amounts of HIV are found in the saliva of people who have HIV. For you to get HIV, a lot of saliva would need to get into your blood via ulcers or bleeding gums. Deep kissing is a low risk behaviour for spreading HIV.\n\nHIV and blood products\nSince May 1985, all blood donations in Australia have been tested for HIV. This means that blood transfusion
147994
You aren't a patient unless you are being treated.  The only way to find out if you have an HIV infection is to be tested.
1112211
smartassawhip is right go see a doc don't get anxious untill you actually have something to be anxious about. \ncertain medications, chronic infection even a recent one, and even certain foods will lower you WBC. thesea re common things. \nPeople that say oh my gosh it could be HIV do not know what they are talking about. Your CD4+ and  your viral load have to do with it. and your T4s are part of that.\nSo Yes your WBC has something to do with it a low one is not immediately indicative of HIV or other disorders like leukemia. Especially if you have none of the risk factors. Blood in your mouth sounds like gingervitis or somethings or you sleep with yoru mouth open and it gets dry. happens to me too.\nSee a doc and sooth yoru fears whan you ask people on the internet the problem is that the people on the internet look stuff up and misinterpret things. and you cannot verify any credentials.\nSo make an appointment or have your parents make an appointment.\nSeems you have seen them already with yoru lab test there so you should make a follow up and ask about teh results. More then likely a doc isn't going to let you continue to worry about it they will do more tests.
303644
Hey, I am 14 and trust me, I went through what you are going through right now.  You may be getting some signs, but you really don't know when you are going to get it until you actually do.  Usually a couple of days before you feel sick, crampy, or you have flu-like symptoms.  Don't worry about it, it really isn't bad and don't rush into it to quickly!  You'll have it for another 45+ years!
902671
the only way that could have happened is if you had an open wound on your hand or your penis and she is HIV pos. There is a very small chance that you could be infected. The HI virus dies instantly when it comes into contact with air.
982486
get tested immediately- know that you could have had it way before him. Symptoms aren't obvious and they don't always show.  I have heard that 80% of women carry the virus nowadays, so there is no  way to track it to one partner.  Protect yourself!
769670
I'll assume that you didn't wear protection, so you are at risk for contracting the virus.\n\nThe standard test for HIV is the HIV Elisa test.  The average time it takes to develope antibodies to the HIV virus is 25 days.  94% of people will test positive after 56 days of infection and 97% after 90 days.  The remaining 3% will take up to six months.  This is due to an abnormal immune system and is considered very rare.\n\nIf you have a healthy immune system I would get tested after 25 days and then again at 90 days.  You can consider the 90 day test conclusive.
303407
I'm not a doctor. However, what i know is HIV cannot be ruled out without specific tests for HIV.\n\nAt the early stage of AIDS, there is no change in white blood cell (CD4 lymphocyte) count.(CD4 lymphocyte is a type of white blood cells that HIV attacks.). It is only when virus load reaches a certain limit and symptoms start appearing, then CD4 count will be decreased.\n\nEven when someone is infected with HIV, a period of about 3 months is required for the HIV detection test to turn positive. During this "window period", the anti-HIV antibody cannot be detected.