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.