AIDS is a condition that affects the immune system. AIDS stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, and it can happen to anybody who comes into contact with HIV.
If you are concerned that you may have AIDS or if someone close to you has died of AIDS, there are some signs which indicate whether or not this could be the case.
These include fever, night sweats, weight loss, diarrhea, and swollen lymph nodes. As long as these symptoms do not go away after two weeks of treatment they might be an indication that one has acquired an immunodeficiency syndrome like AIDS.
It is important to get checked out by a doctor immediately following any occurrence of these symptoms in order to prevent other complications from arising later on down the line.
Shortness of breath
Shortness of breathe is another common symptom of AIDS. If you are suffering from shortness of breath, it might be due to the HIV infection. When you have HIV, your body will start to get more red blood cells so that it can fight off the virus.
The problem is that there are not enough immune cells for this to happen efficiently, which means that these red blood cells won’t last very long. What’s more is that these new red blood cells don’t carry oxygen as well as they would normally because of the shortage in immune cells.
This will cause you to feel shortness of breath due to lack of oxygen in the bloodstream.
Fever, night sweats, and weight loss
Fever, night sweats, and weight loss are all common signs of AIDS.
Fever can be a sign that the body is fighting off an infection, while night sweats can be a sign that the body is trying to cool down.
Weight loss, on the other hand, can be a sign that the body is not getting enough nutrients and energy to continue its fight against the virus, which can lead to complications in the long run.
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck or groin
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck or groin are another common sign of AIDS. When the body is infected with HIV, the virus will attack the immune system.
This will cause the lymph nodes to swell up as they try to fight off the infection.
Painful mouth sores that are very sensitive to light
Painful mouth sores that are very sensitive to light is another common sign of AIDS.
If you experience painful mouth sores that swell up and go away after a couple days but then show back up again, it could be an indication that you have HIV or some other type of infection/condition.
Persistent cough with blood-tinged mucus
It’s also possible for someone to get AIDS from receiving blood from an infected person.
The person with AIDS will know that they have the virus if they receive a blood transfusion of any kind and develop a persistent cough with blood-tinged mucus or fever within six weeks of the transfusion.
Fatigue and muscle aches
If you feel fatigue and muscle aches, but have no other symptoms of AIDS, it could still be a sign that you have been infected with the HIV virus.
This can go on for many years before any other symptoms begin to show up.
Which type of cell is severely depressed in aids patients?
The T-cell is severely depressed in AIDS patients. T-Helper cells are the main source of protection against viruses.
When T-helper cells become compromised, it is easier to contract infections that can eventually lead to death.
Conclusion
It’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of AIDS because, although it can happen to anybody who comes into contact with HIV, not everyone will experience all these common manifestations.
The sooner you get checked out by a doctor after experiencing any type of symptom that is on this list, the better your chances are at preventing long-term complications from arising later down the line.
If you have been diagnosed with AIDS or if someone close to you has died from an illness related to AIDS, there are certain indicators that may help determine whether or not this could be true for yourself as well.
Keep in mind that while a persistent cough with blood-tinged mucus might seem like a common sign of other illnesses besides AIDS, it’s also one of the most common symptoms of the disease.
If you’re feeling uncertain or have any other questions, don’t hesitate to contact your local health department or AIDS support group for more information.