How do you tell if you are HIV infected?
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system and can lead to AIDS if left untreated. Recognising HIV infection can be tricky, as symptoms are not always obvious in the early stages. Below, we answer the question:
What are the symptoms of HIV?
In the first weeks after infection, also known as the acute HIV phase, you may suffer from:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Muscle and joint pain
- Skin rash
- Sore throat
- Swollen lymph nodes
These symptoms often resemble those of a flu or cold and usually disappear within a few weeks. As a result, many people do not notice they are infected.
In the later stages, HIV can cause symptoms such as:
- Persistent diarrhoea
- Unexplained weight loss
- Night sweats
- Persistent infections
Because HIV without treatment weakens the immune system, the body becomes more susceptible to infections and diseases.
How can you know for sure if you have HIV?
The only way to know for sure if you have HIV is to take a test. Symptoms alone are not enough to diagnose HIV infection. A reliable and quick way to do this is with The Tester’s HIV self-test.
With this CE-certified test, you can get clarity within minutes at home. The test detects antibodies to HIV-1 and HIV-2, the most common types of the virus.
Why is testing so important?
Detecting HIV early can be life-saving. Early treatment with antiretroviral therapy (ART) can:
- Keeping the virus under control.
- Reduce the likelihood of transmission to others.
- Life expectancy and quality of life improve.
If you think you have recently been exposed to HIV, it is important to wait until after the window phase (6 to 12 weeks after exposure). During this period, the body has not yet produced enough antibodies that are detectable by the test.
HIV self-test: fast, reliable and discreet
Want to know quickly if you have HIV? With The Tester’s HIV self-test, you can easily test yourself at home in complete privacy. You don’t need any medical knowledge and the test is very reliable. Moreover, the test is sent anonymously and discreetly.
Order your HIV self-test today and receive it the next day. This way, you will quickly have certainty in a familiar environment.
