Acute fatigue isn’t the same as simply feeling sleepy. Do you feel tired all the time, even after a good night’s sleep? Do you find yourself taking more afternoon naps than usual, and avoiding strenuous activities because you feel low energy? This type of fatigue is cause for concern. If this symptom persists over a few weeks or months, be sure to get tested to rule out HIV.
Fever and night sweats are also symptoms of the flu and the common cold. If it’s flu or cold season, that might be what you’re experiencing. Chills, muscle aches, sore throat, and headache, which are also symptoms of the flu and cold, can also be signs of an early HIV infection.
The lymph nodes in the neck tend to swell more than those in the armpits or groin with an HIV infection. Lymph nodes can swell as a result of many other types of infections, such as a cold or the flu, so further investigation is necessary to determine the cause.
Flaky, red skin is also a sign of later stage HIV. The spots may also look like boils or bumps. A skin rash usually doesn’t accompany the flu or a cold, so if you have one at the same time as other symptoms, see a doctor right away.
You’ve had unprotected anal, vaginal, or oral sex. You’ve shared needles or syringes. You’ve been diagnosed or treated for a sexually transmitted disease (STD), tuberculosis, or hepatitis. You received a blood transfusion between 1978 and 1985, the years before safety precautions were in place to prevent tainted blood from being used in transfusions.
Testing is easy, affordable, and reliable (in the majority of cases). The most common test is done through drawing a blood sample. There are also tests that use oral fluids (collected with a swab) or urine. There are even tests you can take at home. If you do not have a regular physician who can provide testing, contact your local Health Department. If you are tested for HIV, do not let fear prevent you from obtaining your test results. Knowing whether or not you are infected will give you the best chance to treat your condition, or to change your lifestyle to prevent an infection. Many health organizations recommend getting tested as part of your routine physical, even if you don’t think you are at risk. Catching and treating HIV early can help prevent later complications.
