Early symptomatic HIV infection is a stage of infection with the human immunodeficiency virus when symptoms are present but AIDS has not yet developed.
See also:
Alternative NamesAIDS-related complex - ARC; Chronic symptomatic HIV infection
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsEarly symptomatic HIV infection has signs and symptoms typical of HIV infectionbut not full-blown AIDS. The onset of symptoms signals the transition from asymptomatic HIV infection to HIV disease.
At this early stage of HIV infection, the person does not have signs or symptoms of AIDS such as opportunistic infections, certain cancers, or a CD4 count of less than 200.
Risk factors for HIV infection are:
The patient may have signs of a bleeding disorder in which there aren't enough platelets in the blood (idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura).
In females, a Pap smear may reveal precancerous cells of the cervix.
The HIV ELISA/Western blot will be positive for HIV antibodies.
The following lab tests may be done to see how the immune system is working:
The amount of HIV can be measured in the blood. This test measures the genetic material of the virus called RNA (ribonucleic acid) and is often called the "viral load".
TreatmentMedications can successfully treat many of the symptoms of early symptomatic HIV infection.
Antiretroviral therapy slows the growth of the HIV virus in the body. A combination of several antiretroviral medications, termed highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), work well in reducing the number of HIV particles in the bloodstream, and as a result, increasing the CD4 count.
Although people taking HAART have suppressed levels of HIV, they can still spread the virus to others through sex or sharing needles. HAART is not a cure for HIV, but the treatment slows disease progression and usually strengthens the immune system.
Support GroupsFor more information and resources, see AIDS support group.
Expectations (prognosis)There is no cure for HIV infection or AIDS. However, antiretroviral therapy and HAART can dramatically improve the length and quality of life for people infected with HIV, and can delay the onset of AIDS. The treatments for conditions that occur with early symptomatic HIV disease vary in effectiveness. Some infections and disease processes are easier than others to treat with medications.
ComplicationsAdvanced HIV disease (AIDS) can develop, in which opportunistic infections and cancers (malignancies) can occur.
People infected with HIV can spread the disease to other people. Pregnant women can transmit HIV to their unborn baby.
Calling your health care providerCall for an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms of chronic symptomatic HIV infection.
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have chronic symptomatic HIV infection and develop new symptoms.
PreventionYou can reduce your risk of getting the infection by practicing safer sex behaviors. However, abstinence is the only sure way to prevent sexual transmission of the virus.
Avoid using intravenous drugs. If you do use intravenous drugs, do not share needles or syringes.
People with AIDS or who have had positive antibody tests can pass the disease on to others and should not donate blood, plasma, body organs, or sperm. They should not exchange genital fluids during sexual activity.
ReferencesMasur H, Healey L, Hadigan C. Treatment of human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 412.
Sax PE, Walker BD. Immunopathogenesis of human immunodeficiency infection. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 408.
symptomatic stage nova net
You are correct. The early symptoms of HIV infection are like the flu.
to prevent the spread of HIV and to begin treatment as soon as possible
.....I have no idea why would you ask this question....HIV transmit because of blood transfusion or blood contact. There is no blood that can resist HIV infection...In fact blood is the best way to get HIV infection. If you are exposed to blood contaminated with HIV...Do get an early check up.
symptomatic infections
It is difficult to detect early symptoms of HIV infection because they are so close to flu symptoms.
Median interval would be approximately 3-8 years.
No, pulling out will not avoid HIV infection.
It is possible to have a false negative HIV test, particuarly early in infection with HIV. If a partner has a true negative HIV test, it's not possible to get HIV from them.
no it does in the 3rd stage but not the earlier stages
That is what HIV does. However a super infection,multiple strains of HIV infection or duel infection,HIV with hep c etc will degrade the immune system further.
HIV is a viral infection.