What are the Symptoms of AIDS

By: Want To Know It

Here are some of the symptoms of AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome), followed by a list of how HIV is transmitted between individuals and some facts about AIDS.

Symptoms of AIDS

Disclaimer: Even though you have some or all of these symptoms, it does not necessarily mean that you have AIDS. If you suspect that you may have contracted HIV, see a doctor immediately.

• Sudden and unexplained wieght loss
• Fevers, swollen glands and chills. This is because the AIDS virus affects the immune system so the likelihood of contracting infections (viral, bacterial and fungal) is greatly increased.
• Skin rashes
• Ulcers in the mouth
• Recurring respiratory tract infections (such as pharyngitis and bronchitis)
• Thrush

How is HIV (which leads to AIDS) Transmitted?

• Unprotected sex (also called unsafe sex)
• Using contaminated needles. If a person with HIV has used the needle and then it is injected into another person, they are likely to contract HIV.
• Exchange between mother and baby during pregnancy. The risk of this can be greatly reduced (to about 1%) with the use of antiviral drugs.
• Infected blood coming into contact with an open wound on another person.
• Blood transfusion with infected blood. If a person is given infected blood in a transfusion, there is a 90% chance they will contract HIV.

Facts about AIDS

• Researchers believe that HIV originated in the twentieth century (1900’s) in Africa.
• It takes 3-6 months after contracting the disease before a person will test positive for it, as it takes this long for the antibodies to form.
• There is no known cure for HIV and AIDS. Several antiviral drugs and natural medicines are used to relieve the symptoms of HIV and AIDS.
• Without treatment, an individual is likely to survive for 9 to 11 years.
• 33.2 million people (worldwide) were estimated to have HIV in 2007.
• It is estimated that 5 to 10% of the world’s HIV infections are due to transfusions of infected blood.

If you use any of this information on a forum, blog or other website, please link back to this post!

Finally, please donate to the AIDS Research Alliance (link opens in new window) and help them find a cure for HIV/AIDS and develop ways to prevent the spread of HIV.

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