The consequences of HIV in women. The first symptoms of HIV in women. Signs of HIV. When discharge appears

The invisible killer that kills people every day is the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is especially dangerous for women who fulfill their main purpose on Earth - to give birth to healthy children. Therefore, the signs that appear at the initial stage of the disease should be known to every woman. Knowing the symptoms will help you recognize the disease and begin treatment quickly. This will not allow the virus to completely destroy the immune system and will help to avoid a tragic ending.

The first signs of HIV infection in a woman at the initial stage

Signs of HIV infection in women can be detected during the first stage of infection. However, the difficulty of diagnosis is that the symptoms of the disease are identical with other common diseases.

Every woman had a migraine, she was tired, she felt depressed, in a bad mood. None of them at these moments will begin to suspect that they are sick with a deadly disease that will come to light, say, in a year. And if your throat hurts, is it worth it to panic, suggesting the presence of an immunodeficiency virus?

Immediately after infection, there will be no symptoms of HIV infection! They will appear after a few weeks, months, perhaps even years.

It should be noted that symptoms of the disease in women are somewhat different from their manifestations in men... Consider the first signs of a "female" disease that appear several weeks or, more often, months after infection.

Signs of colds

Women begin to feel severe chills, fever. There is a lot of perspiration at night. Immunity begins to defend itself: high temperature rises... There is a cough, shortness of breath and even wheezing in the lungs. The symptoms persist for several days, and then disappear without a trace. Disappear to make way for new ones.

From the moment the virus enters the body, the immune system tries to kill it. And she succeeds at first. Affected cells are excreted through the lymphatic system. But there are a huge number of them, so the lymph nodes increase.

Due to the enlargement of the lymph nodes, it is easy to understand the route of infection... If it occurs through the oral cavity, then the lymph nodes of the cervical spine will become inflamed. An increase in the inguinal nodes indicates the sexual transmission of infection. If the infection has occurred through the blood, a lack of immunity will manifest itself in the organ where there is a chronic disease.

Signs of a gastrointestinal disorder

The virus, entering the bloodstream, has a significant effect on the digestive tract. Diarrhea, poor appetite, and, as a result, weight loss are observed. Eaten food is very poorly digested, sometimes not completely digested. Often sick people can lose up to 20 kg. weight for a short period of time, although they maintain a normal diet. This dramatic weight loss leads to anorexia.

Changes in the skin and mucous membranes

All kinds of viruses, bacteria and fungi attack the immune system, leaving serious consequences in the body. This results in the following diseases:

• candidiasis of the tongue;
• genital candidiasis;
• various types of tuberculosis;
• herpes;
• kaposi sarcoma.

We especially note that kaposi's sarcoma occurs in 80% of HIV patients... It is considered an indicator of infection. If a woman is diagnosed with these malignant tumor-like pathologies, then it is quite possible that the immunodeficiency virus has been introduced into the body, and it makes sense to immediately pass tests to determine HIV infection.

Also a serious signal that there is HIV in the body, serves the occurrence of oral and genital herpes... It is found in the body of almost every person, but healthy immunity does not allow the lesion to develop. When the body directs all its forces to protect itself from the HIV virus, herpes, like other infections, begins to develop rapidly.

A specific feature is vaginal infections - also helps to recognize HIV in women. How does this symptom manifest?

1. a rash on the body, which can have different shades of color: from pink to red;
2. painful periods;
3. violation of the menstrual cycle;
4. dysplasia of the cervix;
5. the appearance of abscesses, ulcers, warts on the external genital organs;
6. mucous discharge from the vagina;
7. constant pain in the pelvic area;
8. diseases of the genitourinary system.

The gynecologist will be able to establish the cause of the appearance of exclusively "female" symptoms during examination by taking a Pap smear.

The feeling of fatigue is familiar to everyone. Nervous work, lack of adequate rest and many other reasons cause fatigue. but a healthy person can easily restore strength... But if all the body's resources are spent on fighting the immunodeficiency virus, which, in spite of this, is becoming stronger, then the immune system cannot recover. Therefore, a woman infected with HIV often gets tired, feels a constant breakdown, and it takes more and more time to recover.

The immunodeficiency virus most of all "loves" nerve cells... As a consequence, all infected patients have problems with the normal functioning of the nervous system. The manifestation of the following symptoms of HIV is necessarily manifested in patients:

1. headache;
2. lack of clarity of consciousness (similar to a state of intoxication);
3. depression;
4. nervous breakdowns reaching hysterics;
5. numbness; and joint and muscle pain.

Conclusion

Some doctors believe that in women, the disease develops more slowly than in men... Whether this is true or not is unknown, because this statement has not been proven by any medical facts.

Be that as it may, you need to understand that absolutely all known symptoms of HIV infection can be a manifestation of completely different diseases. However, knowledge of these signs will help to exclude the development of the disease without treatment for many years and, therefore, prolong life.

If any disturbing symptom appears, it is imperative to seek medical help by passing an analysis in order to accurately exclude the likelihood of HIV infection. Only timely diagnosis and correctly selected treatment will help prolong the life of an HIV-infected woman.

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Is an abbreviation of the term "Human Immunodeficiency Virus". The virus attacks the immune system of the human body, introducing HIV infection into it. As it develops, this infection manifests itself in various symptoms, combined in the "acquired immunodeficiency syndrome" or AIDS.

Fundamental differences between AIDS and HIV infection:

AIDS (AIDS) is a state of immunity, in which the body is practically defenseless against the harmful effects of the environment and the development of oncological processes. Any infection that is harmless for a healthy person, in an AIDS patient, is transformed into a serious illness with subsequent death from complications, inflammation of the brain,;

HIV infection is a slowly developing viral infection with a long-term course. All currently known methods of treating HIV infection do not lead to a complete cure. The disease affects the immune system, which protects the human body from the negative effects of the external environment. The virus, having entered the body from a carrier of the disease, may not manifest itself in anything for a long time, but over several years it consistently destroys the immune system.

Facts, history and statistics of HIV infection

The danger and rate of spread of HIV infection are so great that it was called the "plague of the 20th century." Every day about 5 thousand people die from the consequences of this disease in the world. Until recently, nothing was known to mankind about this deadly disease. Only in the 70s of the last century were the first cases of the disease with symptoms similar to AIDS recorded.

The first facts of official recognition of the existence of HIV infection:

1981 - the publication of scientific articles describing the unusual course of pneumocystis pneumonia caused by a yeast-like fungus and malignant skin lesions (Kaposi's sarcoma) in men with non-traditional sexual orientation;

July 1982 - the appearance of the term "AIDS";

1983 - the simultaneous discovery of the virus in two independent laboratories: at the French Institute. Louis Pasteur (research leader - Luc Montagnier) and the American National Cancer Institute (leader - Robert Gallo);

1985 - development of a method of enzyme immunoassay, which determines the presence in the blood of antibodies to the immunodeficiency virus;

1987 - the appearance of the first HIV infected in the USSR. The man worked as a translator in African countries, had homosexual relationships;

About the history of the emergence of HIV

There are several hypotheses for the emergence of the human immunodeficiency virus. One of them is infection from great apes. Researchers have isolated a virus from the blood of chimpanzees living in Central Africa that can cause it in the human body. It is possible that a person could become infected by a monkey bite or by contact with raw animal meat.

This type of virus is not capable of causing significant harm to the human body, since the immune defense is able to destroy it within 7 days. In order for it to acquire the properties characteristic of HIV infection, it is required to transfer it to another person in this short period. In this case, mutations occur with the virus, and it acquires characteristics that are dangerous for humans.

In addition to this hypothesis, it is suggested that AIDS existed long before its official discovery by science, affecting the indigenous people of Central Africa. Its rapid spread across countries and continents began thanks to active migration in the 20th century.

Statistics on the number of HIV-infected

Globally, as of 01.12.2016, the number of infected people was 36.7 million.

In Russia, as of December 2016, there were about 800,000 people, and 90,000 were identified in 2015. In the same year, more than 25 thousand people died from AIDS in Russia, and over the entire observation period since 1987 - more than 200 thousand.

For the CIS countries (data at the end of 2015):

• Ukraine - about 410 thousand,

  Kazakhstan - about 20 thousand,

  Belarus - more than 30 thousand,

  Moldova - 17800,

  Georgia - 6600,

  Armenia - 4000,

  Tajikistan - 16400,

  Azerbaijan - 4171,

  Kyrgyzstan - about 10 thousand,

  Turkmenistan - the authorities claim that there are isolated cases of HIV infection in the country,

  Uzbekistan - about 33 thousand.

Since statistics only record officially detected cases, the actual picture is much worse. A huge number of people do not even suspect that they are HIV-infected, and continue to infect others.

Since the beginning of the spread of infection, the number of deaths from AIDS has exceeded more than 36 million people worldwide. This epidemic can be contained and even improved annual mortality rates downward due to HAART (highly active antiretroviral therapy).

Notable AIDS-related deaths:

Rudolf Nureyev, a world-famous ballet soloist, passed away in 1993;

Gia Carangi - American top model, was addicted to hard drugs, died in 1986;

Michael Wastfall is a promising tennis player who passed away at the age of 26.

Freddie Mercury is a rock legend, lead singer of the Queen band. He passed away in 1991;

Ryan White is the first child to be infected with AIDS. He became famous for his struggle for the rights of HIV-infected people to an ordinary life, which he led with the support of his mother. He got infected at the age of 13 during a blood transfusion, which he needed due to a hereditary disease - hemophilia. He passed away at the age of 18, in 1990, leaving the memory of himself as a person who proved that HIV-infected people do not pose a threat to society if precautions are taken.

Despite close attention to the nature of the virus and the recognition of its exceptional danger to humans, scientists have made little progress in the search for an effective cure for AIDS. The peculiarity of HIV is that it mutates extremely quickly, mutating at a rate of 1000 mutations per gene. For comparison, mutations of the influenza virus occur 30 times less often. The rapid transformation of HIV has led to the fact that there is still no vaccine against this infection, there is no one hundred percent effective drug for the treatment of AIDS. The variety of virus strains creates additional problems.

The structure of the human immunodeficiency virus

The main types of HIV:

HIV-1 or HIV-1 - causes typical symptoms, is very aggressive, is the main causative agent of the disease. Discovered in 1983, it is found in Central Africa, Asia and Western Europe, North and South America.

HIV-2 or HIV-2 - HIV symptoms are not so intense, it is considered a less aggressive strain of HIV. Discovered in 1986, it is found in Germany, France, Portugal and West Africa.

HIV-2 or HIV-2 are extremely rare.

The virus has the shape of a sphere 100-120 nanometers in size. Its dense shell consists of a double layer of lipids, has peculiar "spikes", under the fat-like top layer is a protein layer of p-24-capsid.

Elements of the virus under the capsule:

Ribonucleic acid (RNA), which stores genetic information;

Virus enzymes: integrase, protease, reverse transcriptase;

The human immunodeficiency virus belongs to the family of retroviruses that do not synthesize protein and do not have a cellular structure. The reproduction of such a virus occurs extremely slowly, exclusively in the cells of the human body.

Thanks to one of their enzymes, reverse transcriptase, retroviruses convert their own RNA molecule into DNA. Then they introduce this custodian and transmitter of genetic information into the cells of the organism in which they are located.

Resistance to the external environment:

Outside the host dies within minutes;

At t over 56 ° C, it dies in half an hour;

When boiled, it dies instantly;

It dies very quickly under the influence of ether, acetone, 5% hydrogen peroxide solution, 70% alcohol, chloramine solution;

In a dried state at t + 22 ° C, it lasts from 4 to 6 days;

In solution, heroin lasts up to 3 weeks;

In the cavity of a medical needle, it remains viable for several days.

The virus is not affected by ultraviolet and ionizing radiation; after freezing, it remains active.

Features of the life cycle of the virus - prefers for the introduction of cells of the immune system:

Macrophages - absorbers and utilizers of pathogenic viruses and microorganisms;

T-lymphocytes (helpers) - stimulators of the immune system, producing substances to counteract foreign cells: viruses, fungi, microbes, allergens;

Monocytes - cells that digest pathogenic cells after their death;

Nervous system cells with special receptors - CD4 cells.

Phases of the HIV life cycle (for example, T-lymphocyte)

The virus enters the body, finds a T-lymphocyte and binds on its surface with special receptors - CD4 cells. Once in the cage with their help, it sheds its protective outer shell;

With the help of the reverse transcriptase enzyme on the virus RNA matrix, one DNA strand is synthesized, then it is completed into a 2-strand molecule;

With the help of the enzyme integrase, the DNA molecule is introduced into the nucleus of the T-lymphocyte and is incorporated into its DNA;

The molecule can be in a dormant state for several months or even years. A test for antibodies to the virus at this stage can already detect its presence in the body;

Infection of any etiology can provoke further multiplication of the virus by transferring information from a copy of DNA to the RNA matrix of the virus;

With the help of the ribosomes of the cell, HIV proteins are synthesized on viral RNA;

New viruses are assembled from the RNA matrix and new synthesized proteins. Leaving the cell, they destroy it;

New viruses find themselves new cells to implant (other T-lymphocytes), the cycle repeats.

Without counteraction in the form of treatment, the human immunodeficiency virus reproduces its own kind at a rate of 10 to 100 billion per day.

Ways and risks of HIV infection

No one is immune from HIV infection; a person of any gender, age, social status, sexual orientation and financial situation is a target for the virus. The source of its distribution is an HIV-infected person, regardless of the stage of development of the disease.

The medium that transmits the virus is blood, semen, breast milk, vaginal discharge, cerebrospinal fluid, that is, biological fluids of the human body. It is impossible to get HIV by airborne droplets. The infectious dose is at least 10 thousand viral particles that have entered the bloodstream.

Ways of HIV infection:

Unprotected heterosexual contact.Vaginal sex is the most common way of transmission of the virus from person to person (70-80% of the total number of infected worldwide). In Russia, 40% of those infected with HIV received the virus in this way.

Single intercourse with ejaculation carries minimal risk. For a passive partner, it is 0.1-0.32%, for an active partner - from 0.01 to 0.1%. These values \u200b\u200bincrease if one of the partners has sexually transmitted diseases (chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, trichomoniasis, etc.). In the focus of inflammation there is always a high concentration of cells of the immune system, for example, T-lymphocytes. The Human Immunodeficiency Virus will certainly take advantage of this situation.

With genital infections, the mucous membrane of the reproductive organs is often prone to inflammation and microtrauma in the form of ulcers, cracks and erosions. This is another factor of increased risk of contracting HIV.

Repetitive sex significantly increases the risk of infection. A man infected with HIV, within 3 years, in 45-50% of cases, necessarily infects his regular partner, and a woman with HIV infection in 35-40% of cases infects a regular partner. For women, this risk is higher, since infected sperm stay in contact with the vaginal mucosa for longer and cover a larger area.

Intravenous drug use.For Russia, this route of infection is characteristic in 57.9% of cases, global statistics are 5-10%. Infection of drug addicts occurs through common spitz for injecting drugs, which are not sterilized, possibly through a common container for the preparation of an intravenous solution. It is this route of infection that is typical for 30-35% of cases. The rest of the indicators fall on infection due to promiscuous sexual relations of persons dependent on intravenous drugs.

Unprotected anal sex.The route of infection is typical for both homosexual and heterosexual contacts. Even with a single act, the risk of infection for a passive partner is 0.8-3.2%, and for an active partner - 0.06%. This difference is due to the vulnerability and good blood supply to the rectum.

Unprotected oral sex.With a single contact, ending with ejaculation, the risk of infection for a passive partner is 0.03-0.4%, and for an active partner it is practically safe. However, such contact becomes more dangerous if there are defects in the mucous membrane of the "jam" type, ulcers, wounds in the oral cavity.

Transmission of the virus to a child from an HIV-infected mother.In 25-35% of cases, babies become infected during childbirth through contact with fragments of the placenta, as well as during breastfeeding. A healthy woman can get the virus from an infected baby while breastfeeding if the baby has oral mucosa and the woman has cracked nipples.

Accidental injuries during medical procedures, subcutaneous and intramuscular injections.The probability of infection is 0.2-1%, provided that there was contact with any body fluid of an infected person.

Blood transfusions and organ transplants.The probability of infection from an infected donor is almost 100%.

The higher the immune status of a healthy person, the lower the risk of getting an infection through contact with an HIV-infected patient. And vice versa - weak immunity will lead to an increased risk of infection and a severe course of the resulting disease. A high viral load in a person with HIV in the body increases his danger as a carrier of the disease several times.

HIV symptoms in men and women

It is almost impossible to identify specific symptoms of HIV infection, since they are disguised as manifestations of other diseases. And the first sign and symptom of HIV in men and women as such does not exist at all. In addition, HIV infection has a different course depending on the state of the patient's immune system.

Stages of HIV infection in accordance with the clinical classification of V.I. Pokrovsky, adopted in Russia:

Stage 1 HIV symptoms

Incubation lasts from the moment of infection to 1-1.5 months (in some cases up to a year), is characterized by active multiplication of the virus.

The first symptoms of HIV, both in men and women, are absent, testing does not reveal antibodies to the virus. The onset of infection is suspected in the presence of a dangerous situation: unprotected sex, blood transfusion.

HIV symptoms in stage 2

An immune response occurs to the invasion and multiplication of the virus. The first symptoms of HIV infection may appear before seroconversion. The second stage lasts from 2-3 weeks to several months.

There are 3 options for the flow of stage 2:

Stage 4 HIV symptoms

Kaposi's sarcoma is a malignant tumor of the skin;

Symptoms at Stage 4B

Stage 4B develops 10-12 years after infection. It is characterized by the appearance of life-threatening diseases. The course of infections is extremely difficult, they are difficult to treat. However, this stage is also reversible with the use of HAART.

Typical symptoms of HIV and disease at stage 4B:

Extreme exhaustion, accompanied by weakness, patients are forced to spend most of their time in bed;

Pneumocystis pneumonia, a characteristic symptom of HIV infection, is caused by a fungus;

Recurrent herpes;

Fungal infection of the skin and internal organs: the esophagus, respiratory organs;

Cryptococcal meningitis, caused by soil fungus, does not occur in a healthy person;

Mycobacteriosis, which targets the gastrointestinal tract, brain, lungs, central nervous system, are characteristic of HIV infection;

Diseases of the central nervous system (awkwardness in movements, dementia, absent-mindedness, impaired memory, intelligence) are the result of complications and the effect of the virus on the cells of the nervous system;

Damage to the heart and kidneys;

Oncological diseases.

Stage 5 HIV symptoms

The terminal stage develops as the patient's condition worsens. HIV stage 5 symptoms progress due to ineffective treatment of secondary infections. Deaths are frequent over several months.

All stages and manifestations of HIV infection are given for the average case. Not all infected people pass through them sequentially, they can skip some stages or stay at some of them. The duration of the disease depends on the state of the patient's immune system and the type of virus; it can last from 7-9 months to 20 years.

This classification of Pokrovsky is not the only one; there is a less structured WHO classification. However, specialists use a more detailed structure.

Features of HIV symptoms in men, women and children

In men, the symptoms are not specific. Women are noted with cycle disorders, an increased risk of malignant degeneration of the cervical tissue. Inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs in women infected with HIV occur 3 times more often, have a more severe course.

Children infected with HIV are delayed in mental and physical development compared to their peers.

An effective drug for a complete cure for this disease has not yet been created. However, there are many effective drugs that reduce viral load and improve the quality of life for HIV patients. With strict adherence to the recommendations for their intake, the growth of CD4 cells is noted and the minimum titer of HIV is recorded with the most sensitive diagnostic methods.

This result is easy to achieve with developed patient self-discipline: timely and continuous medication intake, adherence to the correct dosage.

The main directions of therapy:

Preservation of the quality of life of HIV-infected;

Prevention and temporary postponement of conditions that threaten the patient's life;

Achievement of remission with HAART and prevention of secondary infections;

Practical and psychological support for patients;

Providing free medicines.

The principles of prescribing HAART by stage of the disease:

At the first stage, treatment is not carried out; in contact with HIV, chemoprophylaxis is performed;

In the second stage, treatment is carried out depending on the level of CD4 lymphocytes present;

At the third stage, HAART is prescribed if the patient actively wishes or if the RNA level exceeds 10 thousand copies and the CD4 lymphocyte count is less than 200 CD4 / mm3;

At the fourth stage, treatment is prescribed when the RNA level is more than 100 thousand copies and the level of CD4 lymphocytes is less than 200 CD4 / mm3;

The fifth stage is always accompanied by treatment.

Current HIV treatment standards are likely to be changed in line with recent research showing that early HAART treatment leads to better outcomes.

At the moment, therapy includes a combination of the following groups of drugs:

HIV protease inhibitors,

HIV nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors,

Non-nucleoside inhibitors of HIV reverse transcriptase.

There is evidence of the development of a new drug for the treatment of HIV infection - Quad, which is more effective and has fewer side effects. The drug is taken once a day and replaces several drugs.

HIV prevention measures

The assertion that it is easier to prevent a disease than to cure it later became an axiom. This is true for the prevention of AIDS and HIV infection.

Heterosexual and homosexual relationships:

Have one sex partner with a negative HIV status;

Protect sexual intercourse with a reliable condom (latex with standard lubrication).

Even such a condom cannot give a 100% guarantee of safe intercourse, since the virus can penetrate the pores of the latex. In addition, they can expand with friction. You can significantly reduce the risk of infection with the correct use of a condom: choosing the appropriate size, putting it on before intercourse, avoiding rupture (removing air between the latex layer and the genital organ). Condoms made from other materials are completely unreliable.

Intravenous injections for drug addiction and inability to stop taking drugs:

Use for injection of disposable spitz once;

Preparation of a solution for intravenous injection in an individual container.

Reducing the risk of conceiving a fetus in an HIV-infected woman:

Using the self-insemination method (with a partner who does not have HIV);

Disinfection of sperm for further fertilization (with an HIV-infected partner);

IVF (in vitro fertilization).

Before conception, a woman who decides to become an HIV-positive mother is informed of the possible risk to her health and the health of the fetus. Further, STDs, chronic pathologies are necessarily treated, factors that reduce the protective properties of the placenta are excluded: smoking, alcoholism, drug addiction. The key to successfully carrying and giving birth to a healthy child is the exact implementation of the recommendations of doctors, protecting yourself from infection, diagnostics for viral load and the level of CD4 cells.

A pregnant woman is taking the following medications:

HAART for the treatment and prevention of infection;

Iron preparations;

Multivitamins.

Pregnancy with HIV infection is resolved with a cesarean section to exclude the child's contact with cervical mucus and placenta, which contains a large amount of viruses.

Protection of medical personnel from infection:

Use of personal protective equipment (mask, glasses, gloves, clothing);

Dispose of used needles in special puncture-proof containers;

In case of accidental contact with infected body fluids - chemoprophylaxis with HAART;

In case of accidental contact of damaged skin with a presumably infected environment - do not stop bleeding from a puncture or cut for a few seconds, treat with alcohol with a strength of at least 70%;

In case of accidental contact of intact skin with a biological environment - wash with soap and water under running water, wipe with 70% alcohol;

In case of contact with mouth - rinse with 70% alcohol;

In case of contact with eyes, rinse with running water;

In case of contact with shoes or clothes - wipe with a disinfectant solution or soak in it, wipe the skin under the clothes with alcohol;

In case of contact with tiled floors and walls - pour disinfectant solution for half an hour, wipe.

HIV: answers to questions

Infection occurs from an HIV-infected patient, regardless of the stage of the disease. A healthy person becomes infected when a sufficient dose of the virus enters his bloodstream to become infected.

Virus transmission methods:

Heterosexual and homosexual unprotected intercourse with an HIV-infected partner. Most often, infection occurs in those who have promiscuous sex. The risk is increased with anal sex, regardless of the orientation of the sexual partners;

For drug addicts with intravenous drug injection with non-sterile syringes, using one container for preparing a solution for injection;

Children from HIV-infected mothers during pregnancy, during childbirth, during breastfeeding;

During medical manipulations, injections associated with contact with contaminated body fluids;

With blood transfusion and donor organ transplantation, the situation may arise if the donor has a false negative result during the "window period".

According to the law on the protection of the rights of HIV-infected people, information about their status must be kept confidential and cannot be passed on to third parties. Such a measure allows you not to fear discrimination in the event of a positive result.

An HIV blood test is carried out free of charge in two ways:

Anonymously. The test is assigned a number to obtain the result, and the name of the person taking the test remains secret;

Confidentially. Laboratory staff keep medical confidentiality, although they know the name and surname of the person being tested for HIV.

Testing is carried out:

At the Regional AIDS Prevention Center;

At the polyclinic at the place of residence in the anonymous testing room,

In a private medical center with special capabilities (paid).

Before and after testing, psychological support and counseling is provided to a person who has decided to conduct an HIV test. The test result can be obtained on the same day, or 2-3 to 14 days after diagnosis.

What if the HIV test is positive?

If the result is positive, an anonymous conversation with the doctor is conducted about the course of the disease, the necessary additional research and treatment methods, about the possible risks and complications. Such advice can be obtained from the infectious disease doctor in your area of \u200b\u200bresidence or at the regional AIDS prevention and control center.

Mandatory research:

To determine the level of CD4 cells;

For the presence or absence of viral hepatitis;

Viral load;

On the p-24-capsid antigen.

According to the indications, studies of the general immune status are carried out, for the causative agents of STDs, markers of malignant neoplasms, CT, etc.

By airborne droplets (when sneezing and coughing);

When using common cutlery;

In the bath, sauna, steam room;

When swimming in a pool, a common pond;

When bitten by an animal or insect;

During the physical examination;

In public places, in transport;

When using one toilet;

Through a kiss or handshake.

People with viral hepatitis, for example, are much more dangerous to others than people infected with HIV.

These are people who deny the presence of the human immunodeficiency virus.

Their beliefs are based on the following reasons:

The virus has not been identified and cultured outside the human body... Nobody has seen HIV, so far only a set of proteins has been isolated, it is debatable that they belong to the same virus. In fact, there are a large number of photos of the virus taken with an electron microscope;

Patients die from AIDS therapy with antiviral drugs more often than without treatment.Indeed, the early treatments for HIV infection had many side effects. But modern drugs are effective and safe, besides, the newest, even more effective developments are constantly appearing;

AIDS is a conspiracy of pharmaceutical companies.If this were true, then companies would offer a cure for a disease that is not available to this day;

AIDS is an autoimmune disease that does not have a viral nature.Allegedly, immunodeficiency is caused by toxic poisoning, stress, radiation and other reasons. The argument, in contrast to this statement, is that after patients start taking HAART, their condition improves. Such statements disorient patients, and some of them refuse treatment. In fact, the special therapy started on time allows HIV-infected people to lead a normal life, have healthy children, and work. In this case, the course of the disease slows down, life expectancy is maintained. All this is possible provided that the diagnosis is timely and that HAART is started on time.

About the doctor: 2010 to 2016 Practitioner of the therapeutic hospital of the central medical-sanitary unit No. 21, city of elektrostal. Since 2016 she has been working in the diagnostic center No. 3.

HIV infection develops in stages. The direct effect of viruses on the immune system leads to damage to various organs and systems, the development of tumor and autoimmune processes. Without highly active antiretroviral therapy, the life expectancy of patients does not exceed 10 years. The use of antiviral drugs can slow the progression of HIV and the development of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome - AIDS.

Signs and symptoms of HIV in men and women at different stages of the disease have their own color. They are varied and increase in severity of manifestation. The clinical classification of HIV infection proposed in 1989 by V. I. Pokrovsky, which provides for all manifestations and stages of HIV from the moment of infection to the death of the patient, has become widespread in the Russian Federation and the CIS countries.

Fig. 1. Pokrovsky Valentin Ivanovich, Russian epidemiologist, professor, doctor of medical sciences, president of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, director of the Central Research Institute of Epidemiology of Rospotrebnadzor.

The incubation period of HIV infection

The incubation period of HIV infection is determined by the period from the moment of infection to clinical manifestations and / or the appearance of antibodies in the blood serum. HIV in an "inactive" state (state of inactive replication) can be from 2 weeks to 3-5 years or more, while the general condition of the patient does not noticeably deteriorate, but antibodies in the blood serum to HIV antigens are already appearing. This stage is called the latent phase or the period of "carriage". When immunodeficiency viruses enter the human body, they begin to reproduce themselves immediately. But the clinical manifestations of the disease appear only when the weakened immunity ceases to properly protect the patient's body from infections.

It is impossible to say exactly how long the HIV infection takes place. The duration of the incubation period is influenced by the route and nature of infection, the infecting dose, the patient's age, his immune status and many other factors. With an infected blood transfusion, the latency period is shorter than with sexual transmission.

The period from the moment of infection to the appearance of antibodies to HIV in the blood (seroconversion period, window period) ranges from 2 weeks to 1 year (up to 6 months in weakened people). During this period, the patient's antibodies are still absent and he, thinking that he is not infected with HIV, continues to infect others.

Examination of contact persons with HIV-infected patients makes it possible to diagnose the disease at the "carrier" stage.

Fig. 2. Oral candidiasis and herpes sores are indicators of a malfunction of the immune system and can be early manifestations of HIV infection.

Signs and symptoms of HIV in men and women in IIA (acute febrile) stage

After the incubation period, the stage of primary manifestations of HIV infection develops. It is due to the direct interaction of the patient's body with the immunodeficiency virus and is divided into:

• IIA - acute febrile stage of HIV.
• IIB - asymptomatic stage of HIV.
• IIB - stage of persistent generalized lymphadenopathy.

The duration of IIA (acute febrile) stage of HIV in men and women is from 2 to 4 weeks (usually 7 to 10 days). It is associated with a massive release of HIV into the systemic circulation and the spread of viruses throughout the body. Changes in the patient's body during this period are non-specific and so varied and multiple that they create certain difficulties in diagnosing HIV infection by a doctor during this period. Despite this, the acute febrile phase passes on its own, even without specific treatment, and passes into the next stage of HIV - asymptomatic. Primary infection in some patients is asymptomatic, in other patients the most severe clinical picture of the disease is rapidly developing.

Mononucleosis-like syndrome in HIV

In 50 - 90% of HIV patients in the early stages of the disease, men and women develop mononucleosis-like syndrome (acute retroviral syndrome). A similar condition develops as a result of the patient's active immune response to HIV infection.

Mononucleosis-like syndrome occurs with fever, pharyngitis, rash, headaches, muscle and joint pains, diarrhea and lymphadenopathy, enlarged spleen and liver. Less commonly, meningitis, encephalopathy, and neuropathy develop.

In some cases, acute retroviral syndrome has manifestations of some opportunistic infections that develop against the background of deep suppression of cellular and humoral immunities. Cases of development of oral candidiasis and candidal esophagitis, pneumocystis pneumonia, cytomegalovirus colitis, tuberculosis and cerebral toxoplasmosis have been reported.

In men and women with mononucleosis-like syndrome, the progression of HIV infection and the transition to the AIDS stage is faster, and an unfavorable outcome is observed in the next 2 to 3 years.

In the blood, there is a decrease in CD4 lymphocytes and platelets, an increase in the level of CD8 lymphocytes and transaminases. A high viral load is detected. The process is completed within 1 to 6 weeks even without treatment. In severe cases, patients are hospitalized.

Fig. 3. Fatigue, malaise, headaches, muscle and joint pains, fever, diarrhea, severe night sweats are symptoms of HIV in the early stages.

Intoxication syndrome in HIV

In the acute febrile stage, body temperature rises in 96% of patients. Fever reaches 38 0 C and lasts 1 - 3 weeks and often. Half of all patients have headaches, muscle and joint pains, a feeling of fatigue, malaise, and severe night sweats.

Fever and malaise are the most common symptoms of HIV during a febrile period, and weight loss is the most specific.

Swollen lymph nodes with HIV

In 74% of men and women, enlarged lymph nodes are detected. For HIV infection in the febrile stage, a gradual increase in the first of the posterior cervical and occipital, then the submandibular, supraclavicular, axillary, ulnar and inguinal lymph nodes is especially characteristic. They have a pasty consistency, reach 3 cm in diameter, mobile, not welded to the surrounding tissues. After 4 weeks, the lymph nodes return to their normal size, but in some cases the transformation of the process into persistent generalized lymphadenopathy is noted. An increase in lymph nodes in the acute stage occurs against a background of increased body temperature, weakness, sweating, and fatigue.

Fig. 4. Enlarged lymph nodes are the first signs of HIV infection in men and women.

HIV rash

In 70% of cases, a rash appears in men and women in the early acute period of the disease. More often, an erythematous rash (areas of redness of different sizes) and a maculopapular rash (areas of seals) are recorded. Features of the rash in HIV infection: the rash is profuse, often purple in color, symmetrical, localized on the trunk, its individual elements can also be located on the neck and face, does not flake off, does not bother the patient, is similar to rashes with measles, rubella, syphilis, etc. The rash disappears within 2 to 3 weeks.

Sometimes patients have small hemorrhages in the skin or mucous membranes up to 3 cm in diameter (ecchymosis), with minor injuries, hematomas may appear.

In the acute stage of HIV, a vesicular-papular rash, characteristic of herpes infection and, often appears.

Fig. 5. A rash with HIV infection on the trunk is the first sign of the disease.

Fig. 6. Rash with HIV on the trunk and arms.

Neurological disorders in HIV

Neurological disorders in the acute stage of HIV occur in 12% of cases. Lymphocytic meningitis, encephalopathy and myelopathy develop.

Fig. 7. Severe herpetic lesions of the mucous membrane of the lips, mouth and eyes are the first sign of HIV infection.

Gastrointestinal symptoms

In the acute period, every third man and woman develops diarrhea, in 27% of cases there is nausea and vomiting, abdominal pains often appear, and body weight decreases.

Laboratory diagnosis of HIV in the acute febrile stage

The replication of viruses in the acute stage is most active, however, the number of CD4 + lymphocytes always remains more than 500 in 1 μl, and only with a sharp suppression of the immune system, the indicator drops to the level of development of opportunistic infections.

The CD4 / CD8 ratio is less than 1. The higher the viral load, the more infectious the patient is during this period.

Antibodies to HIV and the maximum concentration of viruses in the stage of primary manifestations are found at the end of the acute febrile stage. In 96% of men and women, they appear by the end of the third month from the moment of infection, in other patients - after 6 months. The analysis for the detection of antibodies to HIV in the acute febrile stage is repeated after a few weeks, since it is the timely appointment of antiretroviral therapy during this period that is most useful for the patient.

Antibodies to HIV p24 proteins are detected, antibodies produced by the patient's body are detected using ELISA and immunoblot. The viral load (detection of RNA viruses) is determined using PCR.

High levels of antibodies and low levels of viral load occur during the asymptomatic course of HIV infection in the acute period and indicate the control of the patient's immune system over the level of the number of viruses in the blood.

In a clinically expressed period, the viral load is quite high, but with the appearance of specific antibodies it drops, and the symptoms of HIV infection subside and then disappear altogether, even without treatment.

Fig. 8. Severe candidiasis (thrush) of the oral cavity in an HIV patient.

The older the patient's age, the faster the HIV infection progresses to the AIDS stage.

Signs and symptoms of HIV in men and women in stage IIB (asymptomatic)

At the end of the acute stage of HIV infection, a certain balance is established in the patient's body, when the patient's immune system restrains the multiplication of viruses for many months (usually 1 - 2 months) and even years (up to 5 - 10 years). On average, the asymptomatic stage of HIV lasts 6 months. During this period, the patient feels satisfactory and leads his usual lifestyle, but, at the same time, is a source of HIV (asymptomatic virus carrier). Highly active antiretroviral therapy prolongs this stage for many decades, during which the patient leads a normal life. In addition, the likelihood of infection of others is significantly reduced.

The number of lymphocytes in the blood is within normal limits. The results of ELISA and immunoblotting studies are positive.

Signs and symptoms of HIV in men and women in stage II (persistent generalized lymphadenopathy)

Generalized lymphadenopathy is the only sign of HIV infection during this period. Lymph nodes appear in 2 or more places that are not connected anatomically (except for the groin areas), at least 1 cm in diameter, lasting at least 3 months, provided that there is no causal disease. Most often, the posterior cervical, cervical, supraclavicular, axillary and ulnar lymph nodes are enlarged. Lymph nodes sometimes increase, then decrease, but persist constantly, soft, painless, mobile. Generalized lymphadenopathy should be differentiated from bacterial infections (syphilis and brucellosis), viral (infectious mononucleosis, and rubella), protozoal (toxoplasmosis), tumors (leukemia and lymphoma), and sarcoidosis.

The cause of skin lesions during this period is seborrhea, psoriasis, ichthyosis, eosinophilic folliculitis, common scabies.

The defeat of the oral mucosa in the form of leukoplakia indicates the progression of HIV infection. Lesions of the skin and mucous membranes are recorded.

The level of CD4 lymphocytes gradually decreases, but remains more than 500 in 1 μl, the total number of lymphocytes is above 50% of the age norm.

Patients during this period feel satisfactory. Labor and sexual activity in both men and women is preserved. The disease is detected by chance during a medical examination.

The duration of this stage is from 6 months to 5 years. At the end of it, the development of asthenic syndrome is noted, the liver and spleen increase, the body temperature rises. Patients are worried about frequent acute respiratory viral infections, otitis media, pneumonia and bronchitis. Frequent diarrhea leads to weight loss, fungal, viral and bacterial infections develop.

Fig. 9. In the photo there are signs of HIV infection in women: recurrent herpes of the skin of the face (photo on the left) and mucous lips of the girl (photo on the right).

Fig. 10. Symptoms of HIV infection - leukoplakia of the tongue. The disease can undergo cancerous degeneration.

Fig. 11. Seborrheic dermatitis (left photo) and eosinophilic folliculitis (right photo) are manifestations of skin lesions in stage 2 of HIV infection.

Stage of secondary diseases of HIV infection

Signs and symptoms of HIV infection in men and women in stage IIIA

Stage IIIA of HIV infection is a transitional period from persistent generalized lymphadenopathy to AIDS-associated complex, which is a clinical manifestation of HIV-induced secondary immunodeficiency.

Fig. 12. The most severe shingles occurs in adults with severe suppression of the immune system, which is observed, including in AIDS.

Signs and symptoms of HIV infection in stage IIIB

This stage of HIV infection is characterized in men and women by pronounced symptoms of impaired cellular immunity, and in clinical manifestations there is nothing more than an AIDS-associated complex, when a patient develops infections and tumors that do not occur in the AIDS stage.

• During this period, there is a decrease in the CD4 / CD8 ratio and the indicator of the blast transformation reaction, the level of CD4 lymphocytes is recorded in the range from 200 to 500 in 1 μl. In the general analysis of blood, leukopenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia are increasing, in the blood plasma there is an increase in circulating immune complexes.
• The clinical picture is characterized by prolonged (more than 1 month) fever, persistent diarrhea, profuse night sweats, severe symptoms of intoxication, weight loss of more than 10%. Lymphadenopathy becomes generalized. Symptoms of damage to internal organs and the peripheral nervous system appear.
• Diseases such as viral (hepatitis C, common), fungal diseases (oral and vaginal candidiasis), bacterial infections of the bronchi and lungs, persistent and long-term, protozoal lesions (without dissemination) of internal organs, in a localized form, are detected. Skin lesions are more common, more severe, and more prolonged downstream.

Fig. 13. Bacillary angiomatosis in HIV patients. The causative agent of the disease is a bacterium of the genus Bartonella.

Fig. 14. Signs of HIV in men in the later stages: lesions of the rectum and soft tissues (left photo), genital warts (right photo).

Signs and symptoms of HIV infection in stage IIIB (AIDS stage)

IIIB stage of HIV infection presents a detailed picture of AIDS, characterized by a deep suppression of the immune system and the development of opportunistic diseases, proceeding in a severe form, threatening the patient's life.

Fig. 15. A detailed picture of AIDS. In the photo there are patients with neoplasms in the form of Kaposi's sarcoma (left photo) and lymphoma (right photo).

Fig. 16. Signs of HIV infection in women in the late stages of HIV. In the photo, invasive cervical cancer.

The more severe the symptoms of HIV in the early stages and the longer they appear in a patient, the faster AIDS develops. In some men and women, an erased (low-symptom) course of HIV infection is observed, which is a good prognostic sign.

Terminal stage of HIV infection

The transition to the terminal stage of AIDS in men and women occurs when the level of CD4-lymphocytes drops to 50 and below in 1 μl. During this period, an uncontrollable course of the disease is noted and an unfavorable outcome is expected in the near future. The patient is exhausted, depressed and loses faith in recovery.

The lower the level of CD4-lymphocytes, the more severe the manifestations of infections and the shorter the duration of the terminal stage of HIV infection.

Signs and symptoms of HIV infection in the terminal stage of the disease

• The patient has the development of atypical mycobacteriosis, CMV (cytomegalovirus) retinitis, cryptococcal meningitis, widespread aspergillosis, disseminated histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis and bartonnelosis, leukoencephalitis progresses.
• Disease symptoms overlap. The patient's body is quickly depleted. Due to constant fever, severe symptoms of intoxication and cachexia, the patient is constantly in bed. Diarrhea and loss of appetite lead to weight loss. Dementia develops.
• Viremia is increasing, and CD4-lymphocyte counts reach critically low levels.

Fig. 17. Terminal stage of the disease. Complete loss of the patient's faith in recovery. In the photo on the left is an AIDS patient with severe somatic pathology, in the photo on the right is a patient with a common form of Kaposi's sarcoma.

Prognosis of HIV infection

The duration of HIV infection is on average 10-15 years. The development of the disease is influenced by the level of viral load and the number of CD4-lymphocytes in the blood at the beginning of treatment, the availability of medical care, the patient's adherence to treatment, etc.

Factors in the progression of HIV infection:

• It is believed that with a decrease in the level of CD4 lymphocytes during the first year of the disease to 7%, the risk of HIV infection in the AIDS stage increases 35 times.
• The rapid progression of the disease is noted with transfusion of infected blood.
• Development of drug resistance of antiviral drugs.
• The transition of HIV infection to the AIDS stage is reduced in people of mature and old age.
• The combination of HIV infection with other viral diseases negatively affects the duration of the disease.
• Poor nutrition.
• Genetic predisposition.

Factors slowing down the transition of HIV infection to the stage of AIDS:

• Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) started on time. In the absence of HAART, the patient's death occurs within 1 year from the date of diagnosis of AIDS. It is believed that in regions where HAART is available, the life expectancy of HIV-infected people reaches 20 years.
• Lack of side effects on taking antiretroviral drugs.
• Adequate treatment of comorbidities.
• Adequate food.
• Rejection of bad habits.

The immune system of the human body has an important task: to protect it from various types of diseases. The strength and strong connection of cells create a reliable shield, which can be destroyed by an insidious virus. To start therapy on time, you need to know the signs of HIV in women . The danger of infection is not only in its destructive effect, but also in the ability to "doze" for a long time before taking on a progressive form. A woman does not even always know about the presence of the virus in the body, infecting others, and in fact the prevention of HIV infection could save many lives.

Routes of HIV transmission

Contact of a healthy person with an HIV-infected person is not always dangerous. The risk of infection exists even with a single contact, even if it is constant, the type and amount of biological fluid containing HIV infection is considered a more significant factor. In a woman with a positive test for HIV, the concentration of the virus depends on the stage of the disease. If we talk about the ways of transmission of infection through contact with biological fluid, then according to the degree of likelihood of HIV infection, the following should be distinguished:

• maximum (through blood, breast milk, cerebrospinal fluid, semen);
• minimal (through sweat, saliva, tears, phlegm, urine).

Signs of HIV transmission in women naturally occur when the maximum concentration of body fluid with the virus enters the bloodstream or mucous membranes, for example, during intercourse or childbirth. The artificial route of HIV transmission boils down to invasive procedures of a different nature - from the injection of intravenous drugs or blood transfusion for medical reasons, to tattooing, hardware cosmetic procedures or manicure, if the instruments were poorly processed.

The first symptoms of infection in women

How long does it take to manifest HIV? This is the most common question that all people, regardless of gender, have in a dangerous situation. The insidious virus has a destructive effect, but the protracted form of its manifestation is no less dangerous. According to some medical data, HIV infection can stay in the body and not manifest itself in any way for more than ten years! Women can learn about the beginning of the multiplication of the virus by the following first signs:

• A sharp, often for no reason, a rise in temperature to 40 degrees, which cannot be brought down for a week or more.
• Headaches, muscle weakness, sweating.
• Enlarged lymph nodes (neck, armpits, groin).
• Anorexia.
• Nausea, cramping, vomiting.
• Painful menstruation, profuse mucous discharge.

Stages of the disease and their signs

A feature of the course of HIV infection in women is the absence of symptoms. A number of signs of the virus may not appear at all, but others appear as additional, because a weakened immune system is not able to cope with the effects of other pathogenic microorganisms. How long does it take for symptoms of HIV infection to appear? Until obvious signs, the virus is able to hide for a long time, or it manifests itself partially, so many women do not even know about the presence of an ailment.

The stages of development of the disease in women with HIV infection are as follows:

1. Incubation. The average duration of the stage from the moment HIV enters a woman's body until the first symptoms appear is about three months, sometimes up to a year. Since the moment of infection, there has been an active multiplication of the virus with subsequent spread throughout the body, but HIV does not pose a threat to the woman's immune system.
2. Primary. The duration of this stage of the disease takes about three months. The appearance of antibodies is considered a characteristic sign of the spread of the virus. Symptoms in women are mild, HIV carriers often pass this phase without showing the main signs of the disease.
3. Secondary. If the progression of the disease is slow, then the average duration of this phase is about seven years. Symptoms of HIV infection begin to manifest themselves gradually; it is very rare that a girl or a young woman is susceptible to the rapid development of the disease. Rashes appear on the skin, fever is noted, pharyngitis begins. Swollen lymph nodes, liver and diarrhea are characteristic external symptoms that are signs of HIV in women.
4. Third. The progressive, acute phase of HIV disease is characterized by a significant depletion of the immune system, which leads to the manifestation of a secondary infection. The duration, as well as the severity of the disease, depends on the individual characteristics of the organism. Other infections or the diagnosis of cancer aggravate the clinical picture of the development of HIV disease, although with proper treatment, remission is not excluded.
5. Fourth (AIDS). An irreversible stage of the spread of HIV infection, when any methods of antiviral therapy in combination with the treatment of secondary diseases cannot help the patient. From several weeks to a couple of months, the patient will have to undergo a maintenance course, since a cure for AIDS has not yet been found. The beginning of the irreversible stage in HIV infection is evidenced by an extensive fungal infection of the skin, pneumonia, hepatitis, candidiasis, ulcerative formations on the mucous membrane.

How is the diagnosis carried out?

Multiple studies are carried out to identify HIV infection and make the correct diagnosis. The absence of characteristic symptoms of HIV disease is no less dangerous than an erroneous diagnosis, therefore the infectious disease specialist will definitely prescribe laboratory tests to detect antibodies. In the early stages of the disease, HIV tests are not always able to detect an infection, so women need to be re-tested after a few weeks, even with the first negative result.

If the diagnosis for HIV infection itself is carried out in the laboratory, then an infectious disease doctor should make a diagnosis based on the data, examination and anamnesis. If a specialist suspects signs of HIV, he will offer the woman to register to monitor her health. To monitor the state of health and not to miss the possible development of HIV infection, every six months you will have to take tests for viral load, immune status, or take a course of taking antiretroviral drugs.

Video: how HIV manifests itself in the early stages

The insidious nature of the human immunodeficiency virus is manifested not only in the destructive effect on the immune system. HIV infection does not manifest itself immediately, hiding for several years before inflicting a crushing blow on the body. Even if effective drugs for treating AIDS have not yet been found, HIV prevention, knowledge of symptoms, timely diagnosis is a good chance to resist the disease for a long time. The period of the initial stage of the manifestation of HIV in women has a number of signs, which it is better to judge not by the photo, but to learn in detail from this video.

It is very complex and it is not always possible to recognize it at the initial stages. Most often, patients perceive the first symptoms as simple chronic fatigue or do not notice them at all for many years.

Experts point out four stages of HIV infection:

1. Incubation period
2. Primary symptoms
3. Secondary type of disease
4. AIDS (last stage)

A large number of infected people for many years do not even suspect that they have been infected for a long time. In some cases, the period from the onset of the disease to AIDS can take up to 10-15 years.

The main signs at the initial stage may be on the neck, in the groin area, on the collarbone, but not everyone attaches importance to these visible symptoms and does not rush to the doctor, but in vain.

Over time, an infected person may notice that his immunity is weakening, and he often begins to catch colds, chronic diseases are constantly exacerbated, and his health worsens.

All this says that the protective functions of the body are destroyed, and a person is approaching a lethal outcome, which can occur even with a runny nose.

Why HIV is dangerous

Everyone knows that HIV is a serious disease that today is completely untreatable. But with the right attitude to the disease and the observance of all the doctor's therapy, you can live a long ordinary life of a healthy person. The main danger of this infection is that it tends to be transmitted from person to person and does not actively manifest itself for a very long time, which leads to a loss of time, which is very important in this case.

The ways of transmission of the disease include:

• unprotected intercourse
• piercings and tattoos that were done with non-sterile instruments
• use of one injection needle by a group of people
• medical error, that is, transfusion of infected blood,
• non-sterility of surgical and other instruments
  from sick mother to child

HIV is not transmitted through everyday life, through touch, dishes, clothes, appliances, a toilet bowl, a bath, etc. Therefore, it is not worth making outcasts of carriers of the infection, they are not contagious to some extent.

Undiagnosed by the fact that a person who does not know about his HIV status can infect his sexual partners, will not be able to stop the destructive process with the help of drugs in time, he will simply die.

The main symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases, as well as ways of infection and methods of treatment

The asymptomatic course of the initial stage of the pathology is due to the fact that in the first months after the infection enters the body, special antibodies are produced that suppress the first signs.

Primary signs

Experts say that in women, the virus manifests itself much more acutely in the initial stages than in men. This is due to the fact that in the vaginal fluid of the fairer sex there is a small presence of beneficial microbes, in contrast to the opposite sex, so the risk of getting an unpleasant diagnosis is much greater. We can say that the main symptoms appear in both sexes in the same way, but women have some specific manifestations:

• frequent pain in the pelvic area
• the menstrual cycle gets lost
• unpleasant vaginal discharge, in the form of mucus
• lymph nodes in the groin area noticeably increase
• signs of anorexia appear, which are accompanied by weight loss, nausea and vomiting, lack of appetite
• during menstruation, the state of health is critically worse
• nervousness, bad mood, tantrums, nervous breakdowns

If there is at least some of these signs, then you should definitely go to the clinic and undergo a full examination, donating everything, including blood to the level of hormones and HIV infection, and it is better not waiting for health problems periodically, at least once a year, to find out your status with using express tests.

The main symptoms of HIV infection in women

The main manifestations of the disease in both women and men include:

• frequent loose stools
• unreasonable cough
• nausea followed by vomiting
• feverish condition
• weight loss at a fast pace
• rashes on the skin, even dermatitis is possible,

Also, an infected person can observe the following psychological abnormalities:

• constant feeling of anxiety
• insomnia
• depressive states
• frequent anxiety

It is worth paying attention to other signs, such as:

• dyspnea
• swelling of the lower extremities
• memory problems, even some manifestations of dementia
• increased sweating during sleep

Why is the left leg freezing: signs and causes of the disease, preventive actions and treatment

All of the above deviations from the norm can be the cause of other pathologies, but it is worth paying attention to all these signs, and it is also recommended to be examined by a specialist.

Disease development process

It is worth knowing that HIV does not always go into the AIDS stage and in the modern world it is more an exception than a regularity. If a patient is consistently taking antiretroviral therapy, his quality of life remains almost unchanged.