A surprising revelation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is that over a million people in the U.S alone are living with HIV. This is despite the significant progress that has been achieved by scientists and researchers regarding the prevention and treatment of the virus. In short, HIV remains as a health epidemic in many parts of the world with more men than women reported to be living with the virus! Sadly, new diagnoses also indicate the number of males infected to be higher. This is mostly attributed to male-to-male sexual contact and injection of drugs into the system amongst specific groups of people. In the U.S, African Americans are on the lead followed by Latinos and whites coming last.
Usually, HIV progresses through three different stages; Acute Phase, Clinical latency stage, and AIDs regardless of the gender involved. However, since men are “late presenters,” they may not seek medical intervention for diagnosis and treatment. This is probably because men experience tolerable HIV symptoms or simply because many of them live in denial of the fact that something serious is developing after the early signs. This may result in adverse health effects in men, especially if they do not get timely diagnosis and treatment.
What are the HIV symptoms in men?
In most cases, the early symptoms of HIV in men are subtle or unnoticed. However, one will experience some “flu-like” illness a few days or weeks after contracting the virus. Depending on the stage of the HIV infection, one is likely to experience the following symptoms;
Acute illness stage (between 2-4 weeks after infection)
- Severe headaches
- Fever
- Skin rash
- Sore throat
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Fatigue
- Joint pain
- Genital and mouth ulcers
- Night Sweats
- Nausea
- Muscle aches
Symptomatic stage/ clinical latency stage
This is the replication stage where the virus multiplies in the system. Symptoms may not be experienced during this stage, but the virus remains active. It is also highly possible to transmit the virus during this stage.
Advanced Infection (AIDS)
Here, the immune system is entirely damaged and unable to fight diseases. Opportunistic diseases take advantage and invade the immune system breaking it even further. Typical symptoms during this stage include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constant coughing and shortness of breath
- Prolonged swelling of lymph nodes
- Excessive weight loss
- Neurological disorders as well as dementia and confusion
- Recurrent chills and fever
In case of any of the mentioned symptoms, you need to get tested immediately by visiting your healthcare provider or purchasing the kit and a taking personal HIV test. The earlier the diagnosis, the earlier you are likely to begin treatment and promoting longer, healthy life. Always remember, early testing ensures timely and better treatment and care which then translates to longer quality life.
How often to get tested as a man
It is recommendable that any man takes an HIV test at least once in their lifetime. According to CDC, anyone between 13 and 64 years should get tested. Besides, they recommend anyone with particular risk factors like drug injections and bisexual behaviors as well as gay behaviors to take the test at least once a year. In fact, it should be upon anyone to get tested anytime they have sex without protection with another person before getting tested.
References:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321920.php
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