If you just typed that sentence into Google, you probably skipped from site to site reading lists of answers that ranged from “nothing” to “it varies” to a laundry list of flu-like signs that spiral into a foreboding list of later stage infection. Stop. If you think you may have been exposed to HIV, get an HIV test. We’re here to help. You can get tested today without an appointment. No need to take off a day from work, deal with embarrassing questions, or worry about the test appearing on your insurance bill or medical records.
You may be wondering…if I have HIV, would I feel it? Maybe. HIV and AIDS, in the very early stages, may feel like the flu. The virus attacks the immune system so your body can respond with a fever, swollen glands, skin rashes, body aches, or headaches. But HIV can be silent for years so you cannot rely on symptoms to know if you are infected. Some people can live with HIV for 8 years and not know it. After the virus kills off helper T cells (CD4 lymphocytes), the body may weaken and develop chronic symptoms like diarrhea and weight loss. Very serious symptoms happen in the later stages of infection which is when HIV officially becomes AIDS. You can learn more about HIV and HIV testing here.
Bottom line? Worrying about HIV doesn’t help you get answers. A quick blood test at Labcorp does. We’re here to help that happen privately, easily, and with a free doctor consultation if your test is positive. It’s important to know your status for peace of mind but also to prevent transmission of the virus to other people. Your results are your business and no one else’s. All states require a legal provision to ensure the highest degree of confidentiality with regard to personal health data, especially HIV data. Dr. Google provides information, but we’re here to help you find answers.
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So true! HIV isn’t the only STD that can remain hidden for years. Syphilis is on the rise, especially in urban area and especially in the MSM (men who have sex with men) population. If you’re getting tested for one, you should get tested for both syphilis and HIV (well frankly, you should get tested for everything!) because according to the Centers For Disease Control anywhere from 20- 70% of those with syphilis will have a coinfection with HIV.
In the primary stage of syphilis there is usually a painless sore that may go undetected. If left untreated it will eventually resolve, but a person can then progress to the second stage which may involve a rash and/or sores in the mouth, genital or anal region. Sometimes this second stage is accompanied by additional symptoms such as fatigue, sore throat, swollen glands, body aches and headache. For goodness sake, get tested and treated as early as possible because what we most want to avoid is the late stage of syphilis which can involve the brain, heart, eyes and other vital organs. The great news is that when caught early, syphilis can be cured with good old fashioned penicillin.
Holly, you are absolutely correct, it shows that you’re an authority on the subject. I admire someone that takes the pride you have and with your projecton of information. oSo when i actually do sit down to read material, I appreciate well written and organized blogs like this one. I have it bookmarked and will be back. Thanks.
This post will actually served me a lot thanks.
thanks for the serious blog post
Heya. This is my very first comment on your site. I have been reading your blog for a while and thought I would completely pop in and drop a friendly note. It is great stuff indeed. I also wanted to ask..is there a way to subscribe to your site via email?
You wouldn¡¯t believe it but I¡¯ve wasted all day digging for some articles about this. You¡¯re a lifesaver, it was an excellent read and has helped me out to no end. Cheers,
I want to add something here. The earliest symptoms of HIV infection occur while your body begins to form antibodies to the virus (known as seroconversion) between six weeks and three months after infection with the HIV virus. Those who do show early HIV symptoms will develop flu-like symptoms. This can include: fever, rash, muscles aches and swollen lymph nodes and glands.
excellent writing .