Hello.
This is Inspecting Immunology.
Today I want to talk about the symptoms of
AIDS in Women.
This is a serious condition, so it is best
if you have all the information.
As a note, AIDs stands for acquired immune
deficiency syndrome and is caused by HIV or
the Human Immunodeficiency Virus.
AIDs occurs because the CD4 T cells, which
help fight infections, becomes depleted by
the virus.
So since it related, I will be discussing
the symptoms that are present from the beginning
to more advanced stages of the infection.
Let’s get on with it.
It is important to be aware of the early symptoms
so those affected can get treatment as soon
as possible.
Early in an infection, approximately 2 weeks
after exposure, women can experience flu like
symptoms, such as having a headache, running
a fever, and feeling run down.
This is because the body has been exposed
to a virus and is trying to fight it off.
After a couple of weeks, the symptoms usually
go away - this is one reason why HIV/AIDS
can be difficult to diagnose early on.
There may be changes in a woman’s menstrual
cycle.
A woman with the infection may miss a period,
or experience heavier or lighter flow.
Premenstrual symptoms, such as bloating, weight
gain, sleep disturbances, and appetite changes
may be more severe in women infected with
HIV/AIDs.
These symptoms usually get worse over time.
During any infection people can experience
swollen lymph nodes in your neck, armpits,
and groin area.
This is a normal response to an infection,
as you cells are gathering there to produce
more cells and antibodies that will fight
of the infection.
In women with AIDs/HIV, the lymph nodes may
be swollen for several months.
Another common symptoms of AIDs/HIV is the
development of a skin rash, which could occur
at any region of the body.
The rash does not normally itch and is red
and flat.
People may also develop sores.
This occurs because the body is producing
antibodies against the virus.
The development of this symptom alone does
not indicate AIDs/HIV, but all the symptoms
together, along with a HIV test, will lead
to a diagnosis.
Even if skins problems are not due to AIDs/HIV,
those suffering with this affliction should
get it treated as it could lead to an infection.
A fever may also develop as the body is increasing
its temperature in an attempt to gain an upper
hand over the infection.
If you are finding this information helpful,
hit the like or the thumbs up button, so that
I will know to make more videos like this.
As the infection goes on, people infected
with AIDs/HIV will find that their immune
system starts to become overwhelmed by the
virus.
There will be an increase in the amount of
infections, because the body cannot fight
all of it off.
Some of the infections include Salmonella
infections from bacteria, toxoplasmosis, from
a parasite, or pneumonia, which can be causes
by bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Just a reminder, AIDs occurs because the CD4
T cells, which help fight infections, becomes
depleted.
Because the body is overwhelmed, other symptoms
will crop up
such as weight loss, nausea, shortness of
breath, diarrhea, joint pain, muscle aches,
and increase to severe coughing.
A lot of women suffer mental confusion as
they just do not have the strength or the
brain power that they would normally have.
People with this infection can develop immune
related cancers such as Kaposi sarcoma, which
develops from the areas around your blood
and lymphatic vessels.
Women with AIDs/HIV can also develop Non-Hodgkin
Lymphoma, which is a cancer that first develops
in lymphatic tissues and women can also develop
cervical cancer.
Women with AIDS/HIV are more likely to develop
breast cancer.
Patients with AIDs/HIV may even become comatose.
---Not all women may experience all or any
of these symptoms.
It is important to get tested and discuss
any issues you are having with your doctor
or health care provider.
Because there are so many women who are currently
infected with the virus and do not even realize
the havoc that is happening in their bodies,
I encourage you to share this video with the
women you know.
I have heard stories of women suffering from
AIDS and they did not know they have had the
virus for years.
It is truly heartbreaking.
As a woman, I am glad that I made this video.
To learn more about what is going on in your
body if you have AIDs/HIV, I am wrapping up
a video about this and will be putting the
link in the description to it in the description
below.
So, you can check it out.
--I am also beginning a video about the next
steps you can take after being diagnosed with
HIV/AIDs.
Stay tuned for that video, I will put a link
in the description as well.
Subscribe and hit the bell icon, so you will
be notified with these videos are published.
I want to make sure everyone is well informed.
Thank you.
