Symptoms of HIV infection in men and women. Early signs of HIV that everyone should know

The human immunodeficiency virus belongs to the group of retroviruses and provokes the development of HIV infection. This disease can occur in several stages, each of which differs in clinical picture and intensity of manifestations.

Stages of HIV

Stages of development of HIV infection:

• incubation period;
• primary manifestations - acute infection, asymptomatic and generalized lymphadenopathy;
• secondary manifestations - persistent damage to internal organs, damage to the skin and mucous membranes, generalized diseases;
• terminal stage.

According to statistics, HIV infection is most often diagnosed at the stage of secondary manifestations and this is due to the fact that the symptoms of HIV become pronounced and begin to bother the patient during this period of the disease.

At the first stage of development of HIV infection, certain symptoms may also be present, but they usually occur in mild form, the clinical picture is blurred, and the patients themselves do not turn to doctors for such “little things.” But there is one more nuance - even if the patient seeks qualified medical care At the first stage of HIV infection, specialists may not diagnose the pathology. Moreover, at this stage of development of the disease in question, the symptoms will be the same in men and women - this often confuses doctors. And only at the secondary stage is it quite possible to hear the diagnosis of HIV infection, and the symptoms will be individual for males and females.

How long does it take for HIV to show up?

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The first signs of HIV infection go unnoticed, but they are there. And they appear on average from 3 weeks to 3 months after infection. A longer period is also possible.

Signs of secondary manifestations of the disease in question may also appear only many years after contracting HIV infection, but manifestations may also occur as early as 4-6 months from the moment of infection.

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After a person has become infected with HIV, there are no symptoms or even small hints of the development of any pathology long time not visible. It is precisely this period that is called incubation; it can last, in accordance with the classification of V.I. Pokrovsky, from 3 weeks to 3 months.

No examinations or laboratory tests of biomaterials (serological, immunological, hematological tests) will help identify HIV infection, and the infected person himself does not look sick at all. But it is the incubation period, without any manifestations, that poses a particular danger - a person serves as a source of infection.

Some time after infection, the patient enters an acute phase of the disease - the clinical picture during this period may become a reason for diagnosing HIV infection as “questionable”.

The first manifestations of HIV infection in acute phase the course strongly resembles the symptoms of mononucleosis. They appear on average from 3 weeks to 3 months from the moment of infection. These include:

When examining a patient, a doctor can determine a slight increase in the size of the spleen and liver - the patient, by the way, may also complain of periodic pain in the right hypochondrium. The patient's skin may be covered small rash- pale pink spots that do not have clear boundaries. Often there are complaints from infected people about long-term bowel dysfunction - they are tormented by diarrhea, which is not relieved even by specific medications and changes in diet.

Please note: with this course of the acute phase of HIV infection, lymphocytes/leukocytes will be detected in the blood increased quantity and mononuclear cells of atypical appearance.

The above-described signs of the acute phase of the disease in question can be observed in 30% of patients. Another 30-40% of patients experience an acute phase in the development of serous meningitis or encephalitis - the symptoms will be radically different from those already described: nausea, vomiting, increased body temperature to critical levels, powerful headache.

Often the first symptom of HIV infection is esophagitis - an inflammatory process in the esophagus, which is characterized by difficulty swallowing and pain in the chest area.

Whatever the form of the acute phase of HIV infection, after 30-60 days all symptoms disappear - often the patient thinks that he has been completely cured, especially if this period of pathology was practically asymptomatic or their intensity was low (and this can also be ).

During this stage of the disease in question, there are no symptoms - the patient feels great and does not consider it necessary to appear at a medical facility for a preventive examination. But it is at the asymptomatic stage that antibodies to HIV can be detected in the blood! This makes it possible to diagnose pathology on one of early stages development and begin adequate, effective treatment.

The asymptomatic stage of HIV infection can last several years, but only if the patient’s immune system has not been significantly damaged. The statistics are quite contradictory - only 30% of patients within 5 years after the asymptomatic course of HIV infection begin to experience symptoms of the following stages, but in some infected people the asymptomatic stage progresses rapidly, lasting no more than 30 days.

This stage is characterized by an increase in almost all groups lymph nodes, this process does not affect only inguinal lymph nodes. It is noteworthy that it is generalized lymphadenopathy that can become the main symptom of HIV infection if all previous stages of development of the disease in question occurred without any manifestations.

Lymphozules increase by 1-5 cm, remain mobile and painless, and the surface of the skin above them has absolutely no signs of a pathological process. But with such brightness pronounced symptom, as an increase in groups of lymph nodes, the standard causes of this phenomenon are excluded. And here, too, lies the danger - some doctors classify lymphadenopathy as difficult to explain.

The stage of generalized lymphadenopathy lasts 3 months, about 2 months after the start of the stage the patient begins to lose weight.

Secondary manifestations

It often happens that it is the secondary manifestations of HIV infection that serve as the basis for high-quality diagnosis. Secondary manifestations include:

The patient notices a sudden increase in body temperature, he develops a dry, obsessive cough, which eventually turns into a wet one. The patient develops intense shortness of breath with minimal physical activity, A general state the patient is rapidly deteriorating. Therapy using antibacterial drugs(antibiotics), does not give a positive effect.

Generalized infection

These include herpes, tuberculosis, cytomegalovirus infection, candidiasis. Most often, these infections affect women and, against the background of the human immunodeficiency virus, they are extremely severe.

Kaposi's sarcoma

This is a neoplasm/tumor that develops from lymphatic vessels. More often diagnosed in men, it has the appearance of multiple tumors of a characteristic cherry color located on the head, torso and in the oral cavity.

Damage to the central nervous system

At first, this manifests itself only as minor problems with memory and decreased concentration. But in the course of the development of pathology, the patient develops dementia.

Features of the first signs of HIV infection in women

If a woman is infected with the human immunodeficiency virus, then secondary symptoms will most likely manifest themselves in the form of development and progression of generalized infections - herpes, candidiasis, cytomegalovirus infection, tuberculosis.

Often secondary manifestations of HIV infection begin with a banal menstrual irregularity, may develop inflammatory processes in the pelvic organs - for example, salpingitis. Oncological diseases of the cervix - carcinoma or dysplasia - are also often diagnosed.

Features of HIV infection in children

Children who were infected with the human immunodeficiency virus during pregnancy (in utero from the mother) have some features in the course of the disease. First, the disease begins its development at 4-6 months of age. Secondly, the earliest and main symptom of HIV infection during intrauterine infection is considered to be a disorder of the central nervous system - the baby lags behind his peers in physical and mental development. Third, children with human immunodeficiency virus are susceptible to progression of disorders digestive system and the appearance of purulent diseases.

The human immunodeficiency virus is still an unexplored disease - too many questions arise both during diagnosis and treatment. But doctors say that HIV infection can be detected by early stage only the patients themselves can do it - it is they who must carefully monitor their health and periodically undergo preventive examinations. Even if the symptoms of HIV infection are hidden, the disease develops - only a timely test analysis will help save the patient’s life for several years.

Answers to popular questions about HIV

Due to big amount requests from our readers, we decided to group the most common questions and answers to them in one section.

Signs of HIV infection appear approximately 3 weeks to 3 months after dangerous contact. An increase in temperature, sore throat and enlarged lymph nodes in the first days after infection may indicate any pathology other than the human immunodeficiency virus. During this period (doctors call it incubation), not only are there no symptoms of HIV, but in-depth laboratory blood tests will not give a positive result.

Yes, unfortunately, this is rare, but it does happen (in about 30% of cases): a person does not notice any characteristic symptoms during the acute phase, and then the disease progresses to latent phase(this is, in fact, asymptomatic for approximately 8 – 10 years).

Most modern screening tests are based on enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) - this is the “gold standard” for diagnosis, and an accurate result can be counted on no earlier than 3 to 6 months after infection. Therefore, the test must be taken twice: 3 months after possible infection and then another 3 months later.

Firstly, you need to take into account the period that has passed since the potentially dangerous contact - if less than 3 weeks have passed, then indicated symptoms may also indicate a common cold.

Secondly, if more than 3 weeks have already passed since the possible infection, then you should not stress yourself out - just wait and 3 months after the dangerous contact undergo a specific examination.

Thirdly, increased body temperature and enlarged lymph nodes are not “classic” signs of HIV infection! Often the first manifestations of the disease are expressed by pain in the chest and a burning sensation in the esophagus, bowel dysfunction (the person is worried about frequent diarrhea), a pale pink rash on the skin.

The risk of contracting HIV infection when oral sex is reduced to a minimum. The fact is that the virus does not survive in environment, therefore, for infection with it orally, two conditions must come together: there are wounds/abrasions on the partner’s penis and wounds/abrasions on oral cavity partners. But even these circumstances do not in every case lead to HIV infection. For your own peace of mind you need to surrender specific analysis for HIV 3 months after dangerous contact and undergo a “control” examination after another 3 months.

There are a number medicines, which are used for post-exposure prophylaxis of HIV. Unfortunately, they are not available for sale, so you will have to go to an appointment with a therapist and explain the situation. There is no guarantee that such measures will 100% prevent the development of HIV infection, but experts say that taking such medications is quite advisable - the risk of developing the human immunodeficiency virus is reduced by 70-75%.

If there is no opportunity (or courage) to consult a doctor with a similar problem, then there is only one thing left to do - wait. You will need to wait 3 months, then undergo an HIV test, and even if the result is negative, you should take a control test after another 3 months.

No you can not! The human immunodeficiency virus does not survive in the environment, therefore, with people who are classified as HIV-positive, you can without hesitation share dishes, bed linen, and visit the pool and sauna.

There are risks of infection, but they are quite small. So, with a single vaginal sexual intercourse without a condom, the risk is 0.01 - 0.15%. With oral sex, the risks range from 0.005 to 0.01%, with anal sex - from 0.065 to 0.5%. These statistics are provided in the clinical protocols for the WHO European Region for HIV/AIDS treatment and care (page 523).

Cases have been described in medicine where married couples, where one of the spouses was HIV-infected, lived sexually without using condoms for several years, and the second spouse remained healthy.

If a condom was used during sexual intercourse, it was used according to instructions and remained intact, then the risk of becoming infected with HIV is minimized. If, 3 or more months after the questionable contact, symptoms reminiscent of HIV infection appear, then you just need to consult a therapist. An increase in temperature and enlarged lymph nodes may indicate the development of acute respiratory viral infections and other diseases. For your own peace of mind, you should get tested for HIV.

To answer this question, you need to know at what time and how many times such an analysis was taken:

• a negative result in the first 3 months after dangerous contact cannot be accurate; doctors talk about a false negative result;
• a negative HIV test response after 3 months from the moment of dangerous contact - most likely the person being examined is not infected, but another test must be done 3 months after the first for control;
• negative HIV test response 6 months or more after dangerous contact - the subject is not infected.

The risks in this case are extremely small - the virus quickly dies in the environment, therefore, even if the blood of an infected person remains on the needle, it is almost impossible to become infected with HIV by being injured by such a needle. There cannot be a virus in dried biological fluid (blood). However, after 3 months, and then again - after another 3 months - it is still worth taking an HIV test.

Tsygankova Yana Aleksandrovna, medical observer, therapist of the highest qualification category.

AIDS is the final stage of HIV infection. Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) in men and women develops against the background of HIV infection and is characterized by a sharp drop in the number of CD4 lymphocytes, the appearance of many opportunistic infections, malignant neoplasms and neurological syndromes. In 70 - 80% of cases, the period from the moment of infection to the stage of a full picture of the disease ranges from 7 to 14 years. Without antiretroviral therapy, the patient dies within a year from the onset of opportunistic diseases. Antiretroviral therapy prolongs the patient's life by many years.

Rice. 1. Photos of AIDS patients.

AIDS is the final stage of HIV infection.

Signs and symptoms of AIDS in men and women in transition

Secondary diseases begin to develop from the end of the primary manifestations of HIV infection - the stage of generalized lymphadenopathy and is considered the early stage of AIDS. This phase corresponds Stage IIIA HIV infection according to V.I. Pokrovsky and is transitional to the stage secondary diseases- AIDS-associated complex.

• During this period, there is an increase in gammaglobulins, mainly due to IgG, a decrease in the phagocytic activity of leukocytes, and the number of CD4 lymphocytes drops below 500 per 1 μl.
• The fever is intermittent. Diarrhea, weakness, night sweats, fatigue and weight loss of up to 10% are the main symptoms of AIDS during this period. Patients in this phase of the disease are active.
• There are AIDS-marker infections of the skin and mucous membranes caused by fungi of the genus Candida, bacterial and viral infections upper respiratory tract are recurrent. There is no significant spread of infections yet. The resulting diseases in men and women proceed without complications. Malignant tumors have not yet developed. Some clinicians consider this phase of HIV infection to be the prodrome of AIDS.

Rice. 2. Widespread oral candidiasis may be the first sign of AIDS.

Rice. 3. Recurrent genital herpes is often the first sign of AIDS in women.

Rice. 4. Recurrent genital herpes is often the first sign of AIDS in men.

Rice. 5. Shingles in a recurrent form (occurring periodically over the past 5 years) is often the first sign of AIDS.

Rice. 6. Papillomavirus is the cause of warts in HIV patients in the early stages of AIDS.

Rice. 7. Persistent candidiasis (thrush) of the genital organs is an early sign of AIDS in men.

Rice. 8. Thrush in women, which has a recurrent course, indicates immunodeficiency and is an early sign of AIDS.

Period of development of the AIDS-associated complex in men and women

During this period of the disease, signs of increasing viral intoxication are observed, and diseases develop that are a manifestation of secondary immunodeficiency induced by HIV infection - the AIDS-associated complex. This phase corresponds to stage IIIB of HIV infection according to V.I. Pokrovsky and is intermediate.

Laboratory indicators. During this period, the level of CD4 lymphocytes decreases from 500 to 200 per 1 μl, the CD4/CD8 ratio and blast transformation reaction rates decrease. Leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia increase. The level of immune complexes circulating in the blood continues to increase.

Fever. The fever has a long-term (more than 1 month) course, diarrhea is more persistent, profuse night sweats, the patient’s weight loss is more than 10%, symptoms of intoxication are more pronounced, enlargement of the lymph nodes is generalized, symptoms of damage to the nervous system (peripheral neuropathy) and internal organs (kidney damage with developing renal failure and high proteinuria).

Rice. 9. herpetic infection has a protracted course and widespread nature. Large herpetic ulcers and herpetic keratitis, which end in blindness), indicate a sharp depression immune system and are often signs of AIDS in both men and women.

Rice. 10. Recurrent herpes of the facial skin in men and women with AIDS.

Rice. 11. Herpes zoster in AIDS patients is widespread, has a protracted relapsing course and is resistant to therapy.

Rice. 12. The photo shows rare forms of herpes zoster - genital herpes. Often a sign of developing immunodeficiency syndrome.

Rice. 13. Severe form of oral candidiasis. The disease develops against the background of a sharply reduced immunity. Often a sign of AIDS.

Rice. 14. Severe form of genital candidiasis in women. The disease often develops with AIDS.

Rice. 15. Esophageal candidiasis is an AIDS-marker disease.

Rice. 16. “Hairy leukoplakia” occurs mainly in patients with AIDS. It is caused by herpes virus type 4 (Epstein-Barr).

Rice. 17. Sign of AIDS in men - genital warts. The cause is human papillomavirus types 6 and 11.

Rice. 18. Genital warts are a sign of AIDS in women.

Rice. 19. Genital condylomas of the anogenital area are often recorded in AIDS. They belong to the group of sexually transmitted infections. The more sexual partners, the higher the risk of developing the disease. With low immunity, condylomas grow to enormous sizes and form conglomerates.

Rice. 20. Cervical dysplasia is a common sign of developing immunodeficiency syndrome. Its cause is the human papillomavirus. Contributes to the spread of infection indiscriminately sex life. In more than half of the cases, cancerous degeneration is noted. In women with AIDS, this occurs within 5 to 10 years. With a normal immune system - for 15 - 20 years.

Rice. 21. Kaposi's sarcoma is an AIDS marker disease. In the early stages of AIDS, the disease is localized.

Signs and symptoms of AIDS in men and women during the height of the disease

The full picture of AIDS (late stage of the disease) is characterized by profound suppression of the immune system, which leads to the development of opportunistic diseases that are severe and long-lasting, showing resistance to therapy and life threatening sick. This stage of AIDS corresponds to the IIIB stage of HIV infection according to V.I. Pokrovsky. The number of CD4 lymphocytes is recorded in the range from 50 to 200 in 1 μl.

Patients develop exhaustion syndrome (asthenovegetative syndrome), there is prolonged fever and significant loss of body weight (HIV dystrophy), most time they are in bed. In 100% of cases, there is a generalized enlargement of the lymph nodes.

Depending on the type and location infectious process in men and women there are several clinical forms diseases:

• in 84% of cases there is damage to the skin and mucous membranes;
• in 60% of cases of the disease there is damage to the lungs (50% of all pulmonary lesions are Pneumocystis pneumonia);
• the gastrointestinal tract is affected;
• in 30% of cases of the disease, damage to the central nervous system is observed: the patient’s psyche is disturbed (HIV encephalopathy develops - “HIV/AIDS dementia”), toxoplasmosis of the central nervous system, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. Neurological pathology manifests itself in the form of mononeuritis, damage to the cranial and peripheral nerves, myelopathy develops;
• oncopathology develops, 25% of which falls on Kaposi's sarcoma;
• some patients develop sepsis;
• changes hormonal system in women: hypogonadism develops, the menstrual cycle is disturbed;
• some men and women develop endocrine pathology: symptoms of hypo- or hyperthyroidism appear, damage to the adrenal glands leads to adrenal insufficiency.

Opportunistic infections with HIV become generalized, often their symptoms are superimposed on oncological processes or other infectious diseases.

During the height of the disease, the number of CD4 lymphocytes decreases significantly and ranges from 200 to 50 per 1 μl. The following hematological changes are noted: anemia, idiopathic thrombocytopenia and neutropenia. A decrease in the level of total protein and an increase in serum globulins, mainly due to the g-globulin fraction.

Rice. 22. Severe form of seborrheic dermatitis in AIDS.

Rice. 23. Hemorrhagic form Herpes in women and men is a common sign of AIDS during the height of the disease.

Rice. 24. Herpetic proctitis in a man. The disease often develops in AIDS patients. The infection spreads through unconventional sex. Swelling, rash and painful erythema in the perianal area are the main signs of the disease.

Rice. 25. Kaposi's sarcoma (oncopathology) is registered at the height of AIDS, is widespread and has a progressive course. Included in the group of AIDS-associated diseases.

Rice. 26. Non-Hodgkin B-cell lymphomas develop in the AIDS stage and are registered in 46% of cases in HIV patients. The disease occurs with damage to the central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, liver and bone marrow.

Rice. 27. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of Burkitt in men. The disease is a symptom of AIDS. The tumor develops from B-lymphocytes and quickly becomes malignant. Occurs with symptoms of intoxication, local itching, swelling of the jaw and neck, intestinal obstruction and bleeding.

Rice. 28. At the height of AIDS, diseases caused by human papilloma viruses are registered high degree malignancy. The photo shows a giant Buschke-Levenshtein condyloma acuminata. Located on the genitals, anorectum and groin areas. Often becomes malignant.

Infectious diseases in men and women that develop with AIDS

AIDS-associated diseases in men and women develop at a certain stage of development, when the level of the number of CD4 lymphocytes decreases to 200 - 500 per 1 μl. and below. As a rule, this group includes infectious and oncological diseases.

The development of opportunistic diseases indicates a sharp decrease in immunity. They are recorded both in AIDS and in other immunodeficiency states, acquire a severe course and are life-threatening for patients.

Main types of superinfection

Bacterial infections

Extrapulmonary forms of tuberculosis. Atypical disseminated mycobacteriosis. Salmonella recurrent non-typhoid septicemia. Cerebral toxoplasmosis. Bartonellosis ( bacterial disease, common in Peru, Colombia and Ecuador).

Bacterial pneumonia caused by streptococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Haemophilus influenzae. Bacillary angiomatosis.

Fungal infections

Candidiasis of the bronchi, trachea, lungs and esophagus.

Pneumocystosis (pneumocystis pneumonia), cryptosporodiosis and isosporiosis occurring with diarrhea lasting more than 1 month. Cerebral toxoplasmosis. Cyclosporosis. Microsporosis. Visceral leishmaniasis. Blastomycosis. Strongyloidiasis. Scabies (including Norwegian).

Viral infections

1. Infections caused by herpes viruses: herpes simplex and herpes zoster in a common form, herpetic bronchitis, pneumonia, esophagitis. Damage to the skin, mucous membranes and internal organs lasting more than 1 month. . Kaposi's sarcoma and lymphomas (primary central nervous system, Burkitt, diffuse large B cell) in persons under 60 years of age.
2. Infections caused by human papillomaviruses: common warts, flat and genital warts, rectal cancer and invasive cervical cancer, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy.
3. A viral infection caused by a member of the smallpox virus family (molluscum contagiosum).

Rice. 29. The common form of Kaposi's sarcoma is included in the group of opportunistic diseases.

Rice. 31. Bacillary angiomatosis develops when the number of CD4 lymphocytes is below 200 in 1 μl. The disease occurs most often in HIV patients. It is caused by bacteria of the genus Bartonella.

Rice. 32. Highly malignant human papillomavirus is the cause of the development of invasive cervical cancer in women, which is often observed in the later stages of AIDS.

Rice. 33. When the number of CD4 lymphocytes decreases below 50 per 1 μl, cytomegalovirus retinitis develops.

Signs and symptoms of end-stage AIDS in men and women

When the number of CD4 lymphocytes is 50 or less in 1 μl, the transition of AIDS to the terminal stage is stated, when the disease takes an uncontrollable course and the death of the patient is expected in the near future. Sick in this period exhausted, lost faith in recovery.

In the preterminal stage, profound immunodeficiency is noted, which leads to the most severe course of opportunistic infections. Comes to the fore atypical form tuberculosis, cryptococcal meningitis and cytomegalovirus retinitis, widespread aspergillosis, leukoencephalitis multiforme, disseminated histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis and bartonellosis develop. Developed pathology leads to the development asthenic syndrome and AIDS dementia.

Complete lack of appetite, diarrhea resulting from the development of malabsorption syndrome, leads to significant weight loss and complete exhaustion of the body.

In the terminal stage, cachexia reaches critical values. Due to constant fever and severe intoxication syndrome, the patient spends almost all his time in bed. The disease continuously progresses and ends in the death of the patient.

Rice. 34. Patients in the preterminal and terminal stages of AIDS.

Rice. 35. The death of a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome occurs as a result of the progression of opportunistic infections, neoplasms and damage to the central nervous system.

How long do people live with AIDS?

In 70 - 80% of cases, symptoms of AIDS in men and women develop on average 10 years after infection with human immunodeficiency viruses. In 20 - 30% of infected people, AIDS manifests itself in the first 3 - 5 years of the disease. In 20% of patients, AIDS occurs in a mild form. About 50% of patients who undergo full-fledged antiretroviral therapy, live up to 20 years or more. Without specific treatment The death of the patient occurs 1 year after the development of the period of opportunistic infections. HIV infection occurs rapidly and rapidly in children.

Articles in the section "HIV infection"Most popular

Which is one of the most dangerous in the world. Its insidiousness is expressed in the fact that for a long time it may not manifest itself in any way, and its presence in the body can only be determined using a special test. Over time, the infection leads to the development of AIDS, which already manifests itself with certain signs. According to statistics, the percentage of mortality from this terrible disease extremely high: about 40–65% die in the first year, 80% die in two years, and almost 100% die in three years. Scientists and specialists distinguish four stages in the course of HIV infection:

• incubation period;
• first signs;
• secondary diseases;
• AIDS.

In our article we will tell you about the period of time after which the first symptoms appear and what the first signs of AIDS occur in women and men.

After what period of time do the first symptoms of HIV and AIDS begin to appear?

The first symptoms of HIV infection are nonspecific and resemble ARVI: fever, general weakness, muscle pain, enlarged cervical lymph nodes.

From the moment of HIV infection to the development of AIDS itself, quite a long time can pass, and this period is very different. Scientists still cannot explain why one person develops the disease a year after infection, while another does not develop symptoms for 20 years or more. On average, AIDS appears within 10–12 years. We recommend reading our.

When infected HIV person does not find out about it in the first days after infection. Its early signs can become apparent after 2–6 weeks. In most cases they are expressed as ARVI or. In the stage of primary manifestations of AIDS, some patients experience:

• temperature increase;
• chills;
• muscle pain;
• enlarged cervical lymph nodes.

Some people who become infected do not have these symptoms, and this course of HIV infection is called the asymptomatic stage of the disease. Scientists cannot yet explain the reason for this development of the disease.

Sometimes in patients with HIV, lymph nodes enlarge occasionally but continuously for a long period of time. After this, they decrease, and the disease is asymptomatic. This form of HIV is called persistent generalized lymphadenopathy.

In the first few weeks after the onset of the disease, a blood test for HIV may give negative results - this period is called the “window period”. The virus can only be detected at this stage by more modern techniques diagnostics - PCR and HIV test.

After the stage of primary manifestations, there comes a period during which HIV symptoms are completely absent. It can last for many years and is accompanied by the development of immunodeficiency.

Absence antiviral treatment on initial stage this terrible disease leads to its faster development. This is why it is extremely important to detect AIDS at the earliest early stages when the first signs of HIV infection occur.

The first signs of HIV in women

The very first sign of HIV in women, which appears several weeks after infection, is an absolutely causeless increase in temperature to 38–40 °C. The period of hyperthermia can last from 2 to 10 days. It is accompanied by catarrhal symptoms characteristic of ARVI or influenza: cough and sore throat.

The patient experiences symptoms of general intoxication:

• general weakness;
• headache;
• muscle pain;
• sweating (especially at night).

Many women have enlarged superficial lymph nodes in occipital region, then - on the back of the neck, in the groin and in the armpits. This sign may be generalized.

In some cases, women may experience severe nausea and vomiting, anorexia and severe cramping pain. With significant damage to the respiratory system, the cough can be intense and end in attacks of suffocation.

When HIV infection affects the nervous system, the following symptoms sometimes appear:

• severe headaches;
• significant weakness;
• vomit;
• stiff neck.

Many women are prone to illness during this period. genitourinary system. They have:

• a sharp increase in inguinal lymph nodes;
• abundant and frequent mucous discharge from the genital tract;

All of the above symptoms are nonspecific and may not always indicate HIV infection, but their prolonged manifestation should alert the woman and become a reason for undergoing examination at an AIDS center.

The first signs of HIV in men

About a week after HIV infection, a petechial (pinpoint), macular, or papular (raised above healthy skin) rash appears on a man’s body.

The first signs of HIV in men are in many ways similar to the first symptoms of this disease in women, but they also have some differences.

5–10 days after infection, a man develops discolored patches of skin all over his body. The rash can be petechial, urticarial or papular in nature. It is simply impossible to hide such a sign.

A few weeks after infection, their temperature rises to high numbers, flu or SARS symptoms are obvious, a severe headache appears, and lymph nodes in the neck, groin and armpits increase. The patient feels completely overwhelmed, constant drowsiness and apathy.

Often, after infection in the initial stages, the patient may experience diarrhea. It may also be detected. The frequent and inexplicable appearance of such symptoms should be the reason for an HIV test in a specialized center.

The first signs of AIDS in men and women

After the stage of primary manifestations of HIV, which can last about three weeks, the patient often experiences prolonged low-grade fever. Some infected people may remain unaware of the disease for many years. Then they develop immunodeficiency, which leads to a long course of any disease.

The first signs of AIDS are the same for both men and women. Only the symptoms of diseases of the reproductive system can be different. The first sign of its onset may be long-term non-healing cuts and wounds. In such patients, even a slight scratch can bleed and fester for a long time.

• pulmonary – the patient develops Pneumocystis pneumonia, which is characterized by a long and severe course;
• intestinal - first the patient develops diarrhea, signs of dehydration, rapid and significant weight loss;
• with damage to the skin, mucous membranes and tissues of the body - the patient develops ulcers and erosions on the mucous membranes or skin, which progress, become infected and grow into muscle tissue;
• with damage to the nervous system - the patient’s memory deteriorates, constant apathy appears, brain atrophy develops and epileptic seizures, the condition may be complicated by malignant brain tumors or encephalitis.

AIDS lasts about six months or two years and ends fatal(few patients live three years).

Rapid detection of AIDS is complicated by the fact that the first signs of HIV infection are nonspecific and can be attributed to many other ailments. Frequent and unfounded appearance of temperature and enlarged lymph nodes should necessarily alert the patient and his doctor. In such cases, the only correct solution may be to conduct an HIV test in a specialized center. Necessity timely diagnosis this fatal disease is beyond doubt, since earlier initiation of antiviral therapy can delay the transition of HIV to AIDS, and therefore prolong the life of an infected person.

The immunodeficiency virus is a very insidious microorganism. A viral disease can develop in the patient’s body for a long time. At the same time, the first HIV symptoms in women they manifest themselves dimly - the patient has no idea about serious illness, which affected her body.

Blurred symptoms of HIV in infected women in the early stages of the disease make it difficult to diagnose the disease. However, experts say that the symptoms of HIV in women manifest themselves more clearly than in HIV-infected men. Before the process laboratory research antigen and antibodies, these are the symptoms that bring a woman to the doctor. What are these signs? First things first.

The external environment is detrimental to the microorganism, because the ways of HIV transmission are in no way connected with air, touch, everyday life, etc. The only way is the transfer of a liquid medium from one organism to another. Signs of infection in women may manifest through the following circumstances:

• the use of injection syringes, tools in a tattoo parlor, a manicure room;
• unprotected sexual intercourse;
• contact of infected blood (other liquid) with an open wound;
• blood transfusions.

The virus lives in breast milk, vaginal discharge(on the labia), sperm. However, in order for a girl or woman to begin to feel the first symptoms that manifest HIV, contact with a sufficiently large amount of biomaterial is necessary. Therefore, in some cases a single unprotected sex does not lead to infection.

Classification of symptoms

There are no early symptoms of HIV in women immediately after infection. How long this period can take and when the first symptoms of HIV in infected women are observed, we will analyze further. Let's just say that this process does not last 1 month.

In addition to the absence of symptoms of the disease that could lead the patient to a general practitioner, an HIV test gives a negative result.

The photo shows a visualization of the window period for HIV disease. It seems that everything is fine and life is wonderful, but in reality you are already behind glass from life and society.

The only method to diagnose the disease before the first symptoms appear is to identify the direct provocateur of the disease in the patient’s blood. Such analysis is carried out extremely rarely. Perhaps over time the picture will change.

When does HIV appear?

How long does it take for the first symptoms of HIV to appear in women? ABOUT external manifestations there is no talk for a period from 2 weeks to 8 months, very rarely up to a year. At this time, the virus cells divide and multiply, but the first signs of HIV in women appear only when antibodies are produced.

What determines when exactly the first sign of HIV will appear in infected women? The timing is affected by the patient’s age, the activity of the microorganism and the state of the immune system. So, if the patient’s immunity is strong, then the virus cannot appear early and will remain unnoticed until the beginning of the next stage - at the early stage of the pathology. Otherwise, the first symptoms may appear and begin to actively manifest within 2 weeks after the moment of infection.

We will talk further about how HIV manifests itself at the stage of primary symptoms.

Primary signs

The primary manifestation phase is the time of active spread of HIV infection, when symptoms in women begin to manifest themselves. The duration of the period is about a year, it can occur in various forms. The patient often confuses her condition with the symptoms of ARVI or influenza.

The patient is concerned about the very first signs of HIV:

• temperature from 38 degrees (stays for several days);
• weakness, lethargy;
• painful menstruation, heavy vaginal discharge;
• headaches, irritability;
• pain in the pelvis;
• increased sweating during sleep;
• gastrointestinal disorder.

There can be either a single manifestation of HIV infection or a combination of them. The severity of symptoms also varies.

Important! The given primary symptoms, namely their manifestation, are a reason for immediate appeal to the doctor.

Generalized lymphadenopathy

In sick women in the acute phase without secondary infections, an increase in lymph nodes is observed - this is the most striking symptom of infection of the body. The patient is concerned about the lymph nodes in the neck, groin and armpits. It is quite difficult to notice the increase visually, but obvious changes are noticeable to the touch.

We continue the topic of primary symptoms and move on to the next symptoms of the disease.

Early stage

This is an acute HIV infection, the symptoms of which can manifest themselves not only in the form of generalized lymphadenopathy, but also in a number of alternative signs. The woman suffers from fever, a papular rash appears on the oral and vaginal mucosa, stool disorders, and menstrual irregularities are observed.

Skin manifestations are the main sign of HIV infection, in most cases

In 25% of cases HIV infection in infected women at an early stage manifests itself as a "rubella-like syndrome" - red skin rashes, inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat. If infected women do not have the first signs of the disease even after the body has produced antibodies, we are talking about an asymptomatic form of primary manifestations.

Latent stage and incubation period

This period of time is otherwise called subclinical; it proceeds asymptomatically. Most often, the incubation time (incubation period) in women can last no more than 7 years. Symptoms gradually fade away. The only remaining sign of pathology is enlarged lymph nodes.

The disease at this time can proceed almost unnoticed by the patient, despite the presence of antibodies in the blood, the replication of which is slightly reduced compared to the acute phase.

Secondary manifestations

As the impact on female body pathogenic microorganism The functioning of the immune system deteriorates - opportunistic diseases develop:

• mycoses;
• viral diseases;
• skin lesions;
• bacterial infections;
• inflammatory processes in the pharynx, sinuses;
• chronic diarrhea;
• CNS lesions;
• high body temperature;
• cancerous tumors, etc.

Approximately 7-8 years after infection, the patient experiences the first secondary manifestations of the disease - mild lesions of the skin and mucous membranes, which, in the absence of proper therapy, develop into serious pathologies

In most cases, it is the female body that is subjected to such a test. The phase of secondary manifestations is more often observed in patients with initially weakened immunity, which is unable to resist the development of an insidious disease in the body.

HIV and pregnancy

An infected woman is able to conceive and carry to term healthy child, if before pregnancy and during pregnancy the patient takes appropriate medical supplies. However, the condition of a pregnant woman may worsen as the child grows, and the development of concomitant diseases is possible.

Attention! There is a risk of a child contracting HIV from a sick mother. Breastfeeding in the case of an infected mother is excluded.

To avoid complications, a pregnant woman should closely monitor her health, healthy image life and strictly follow all doctor’s instructions.

Symptoms of AIDS in women

It’s worth noting right away that HIV and AIDS are not the same thing. AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is observed during the last stage of the disease. At the “final station” are those women who, for whatever reason, were not provided with appropriate assistance when the first signs of HIV were detected. At this point, the defensive function of the body’s immune cells is at zero. This means that with the syndrome, the cells of the immune system are no longer able to attack infectious agents, so almost any ailment can be fatal.

The older the woman, the faster and more aggressive the disease progresses.

The symptoms of AIDS in women are no different from the symptoms of the disease in men. In addition to progressive weight loss (10% underweight), a number of additional symptoms appear. The patient's condition is reduced to the development of infectious diseases and tumors. Possible options:

• toxoplasmosis;
• progressive tuberculosis;
• abscesses of internal organs;
• candidiasis;
• shingles;
• lymphomas and Kaposi's sarcoma (also observed in people who do not have AIDS);
• persistent diarrhea;
• extensive herpes;
• mental disorders, etc.

Attention! Despite the fact active work According to experts, a cure for AIDS has not been invented to date.

How do you get AIDS?

According to statistics, the first signs of AIDS in an infected woman who came to the diagnosis of the disease most often appear as a result of unprotected intercourse. The risk of borrowing the virus from your sexual partner increases significantly if sex takes place during menstruation, or if a woman suffers from any diseases of the vaginal mucous membranes, for example, erosion. AIDS is also transmitted parenterally - through the blood of an infected person that ends up on damaged skin.

Attention! Both men and women are equally at risk of infection.

When do the first signs of AIDS begin to appear?

Symptoms of AIDS do not appear in infected women in the initial stages of the disease. This period is called incubation. Usually the first signs of the disease are noticeable 2-6 weeks after the alleged infection. In this case, the patient confuses the condition with manifestations of a common cold, acute respiratory viral infection or flu.

So, primary signs AIDS in women is expressed in increased body temperature, sore throat, fever, migraines, weakness, enlarged lymph nodes, etc.

Obviously, such signs of the disease are often “written off” by a woman as a cold - the patient does not seek help, and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome continues to destroy the patient’s body.

terminal stage

AIDS is called differently terminal stage HIV infection, the manifestation of which began with a banal enlargement of the lymph nodes. The woman’s condition during this period is characterized by complete destruction of internal organs. Symptoms of the secondary disease phase progress at an incredible rate. The state of immunity cannot be restored. To existing viral diseases join serious illnesses, affecting not only internal organs, skin, but also the woman’s brain. The most common illnesses include: shingles, seborrheic dermatitis, candidiasis and Kaposi's sarcoma.

Kaposi's sarcoma

Most often, specialists recognize AIDS precisely by the signs of this disease - it very clearly characterizes the disease. The patient's skin becomes covered with pink spots, which gradually turn brown, then purple.

Damage to the central nervous system

The course of some secondary diseases in an infected woman can lead to central nervous system disorders. Thus, 60% of patients develop unbearable headaches and convulsions during the development of toxoplasmosis.

Histoplasmosis also has a detrimental effect on a woman’s nervous system. Uncontrollable nausea and severe fatigue appear, as the patient’s immunity weakens, migraines and seizures join the clinical picture.

Treatment and prevention of HIV infection

As soon as characteristic symptoms HIV begins to be detected, the woman who contacts a specialist is sent for appropriate tests. Positive result Blood tests for HIV indicate the need for treatment of the disease. Therapy consists of systemic use antiretroviral drugs, symptomatic treatment and prevention accompanying pathologies which can be diagnosed later.

Most often, it is necessary to fight an infectious disease with the help of drugs such as Zidovudine, Nevirapine and Didanosine. However active ingredients drugs are not aimed at treating a woman - they only slow down the course of the disease. The medications support the patient’s immunity and cardiovascular system, prolonging the woman’s life.

Taking into account the fact that signs of HIV are most often detected as a result of unprotected sexual intercourse, we conclude: the primary measure for preventing infection is a barrier method of contraception - a condom. Persons at risk of infection should follow basic safety rules when in contact with strangers.

Every representative of the fair sex should know how AIDS manifests itself in women. It takes 2 to 6 weeks (from the moment of infection) for the first signs of the disease to appear. The immunodeficiency virus is transmitted sexually, through blood, and also through mother's milk. Before identifying it and putting it accurate diagnosis, you will need to undergo a full examination.

Medical indications

The main symptoms of AIDS appear as elevated temperature, general weakness, body aches, enlarged lymph nodes in the neck and groin, muscle and throat pain, heavy sweating, chills. The virus gradually infects T-lymphocytes, the cells that form the human immune system. AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is the last stage of HIV. With AIDS, the number of lymphocytes decreases to less than 200 units. per 1 ml of blood.

The presence of the disease in the human body is determined using a blood test, PCR (virus marker proteins are detected) and an HIV test. If the disease is detected early, there is a high probability of living more than 10 years with appropriate treatment.

Diagnosing the disease in the first weeks after infection is almost impossible. Suspicions can only arise with the appearance of causeless fever, weakness, and muscle pain. Heat body can last up to 10 days.

Then comes a period of remission, which can last for years. Then the disease can become chronic.

During this period, other diseases may develop: human papillomavirus, malignant tumors, tuberculosis, chronic pneumonia, diseases of the genitourinary system, sexually transmitted diseases.

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Main stages and symptoms

There are several stages of AIDS. The classification depends on the number of lymphocytes in a person's blood. The most dangerous are considered 4A (350-500 cells per 1 ml of blood), 4B (200-350), 4B (less than 200). The course of the disease depends on the rate of reproduction of the virus. The period from infection to the AIDS stage can range from 2 to 20 years.

From secondary symptoms in women, doctors identify pain during menstruation in the pelvic area, the appearance heavy discharge from the genitals, exacerbation of candidiasis, frequent occurrence of herpes. After a period of calm, the number of immune cells decreases significantly. The virus affects certain organ systems in the human body (respiratory and nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, skin).

During pregnancy, it is recommended to take a blood test for AIDS. This is necessary to increase the ability to bear and give birth to a healthy child. The fetus can become infected with HIV in the womb, during childbirth and after birth, through mother's milk. If not taken antiviral drugs, then the risk of fetal infection will increase from 8 to 30%.

The mother's immune cells are transferred to the baby, including those that fight the Immunodeficiency Virus. Therefore, HIV-infected mothers give birth to sero-positive children. Such babies must undergo treatment during the first 6 months. The presence of HIV infection is not an indication for a cesarean section. The child can be born artificially or naturally.

AIDS should be treated with special drugs. At the same time, patients should lead an active and healthy lifestyle. The expectant mother should not smoke, drink alcohol, or take drugs. It is necessary to regularly visit an antenatal clinic and eat right.

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Risk of infection and course of the disease

HIV is not completely curable. Patients are prescribed maintenance therapy. The drugs slow down the development of the virus. The virus is transmitted sexually. Therefore, doctors recommend using contraception. Casual sex should be avoided.

HIV infection is transmitted through blood. A similar phenomenon is observed in drug addicts (via a syringe). Occasionally this happens in medical institutions: when receiving blood transfusion or using non-sterile instruments. Infection can also occur in a manicure salon or at a cosmetologist’s appointment if the procedure involves breaking the skin.

In body healthy person contains 1000 immune cells per 1 ml of blood. On average, an infected woman loses 50-60 cells every year. The rate of cell damage depends on a person’s lifestyle. HIV has no cellular structure. Once in the human body, it is carried into the main vital systems with the help of macrophages (cells that are the first to block the infection). HIV then penetrates lymphocytes, integrating into the cell structure.

The virus multiplies inside the cell and, destroying it from the inside, infects other lymphocytes. The essence of the disease is that the virus reduces immunity to the point where the body is no longer able to fight even the simplest disease. A person dies not from HIV, but from pneumonia, tuberculosis, exhaustion, influenza or hepatitis.