Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, also known as AIDS, is a long-term illness brought on by HIV. HIV damages the immune system and interferes with the body’s ability to fight disease. HIV is a sexually transmitted infection spread by contact from illicit injection drug use or contact with infected blood. STD testing in Homestead, Florida, is necessary for diagnosis and treatment.
As a clinic specializing in STD treatment, we will discuss the symptoms and causes of HIV: The symptoms of HIV vary depending on the phase of infection. Primary infection or acute HIV causes flu-like illnesses 2-4 weeks after the virus enters the body. Possible symptoms include rash, diarrhea, weight loss, fever, swollen lymph glands, and night sweats.
As the virus continues to multiply and interferes with the immune system, a person with HIV may develop mild infections and chronic symptoms like swollen lymph nodes, fever, fatigue, oral yeast infection, shingles, pneumonia, diarrhea, and weight loss.
HIV commonly spreads in the following ways:
- Through sexual intercourse where the virus enters the body through mouth sores or small tears that may develop in the vagina or rectum.
- From blood transfusions and by sharing contaminated injection drug paraphernalia.
- During pregnancy, delivery, or through breastfeeding.
HIV, however, is not spread through natural contact. Hence, you can’t catch HIV by kissing, hugging, or shaking hands with an infected person. It also does not spread through water, air, or insect bites. For HIV prevention and better sexual health, it’s important to use contraception like condoms and HIV PrEP.
We at Mani Specialty Center specialize in STD testing and prevention. Contact us to learn more about pregnancy testing and counseling.
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