What are the early signs of HIV in men?

HIV is a virus that attacks the body's immune system, destroying a specific type of cell that helps the body fight off infections and diseases. This virus occurs more frequently in men than women.

With effective treatment of antiretroviral medication, people with HIV can live healthy lives without the risk of transmitting the virus to others.

In this article, we look at the early signs and symptoms of HIV in men, along with when they should take a test to ensure they receive effective treatment.

Symptoms specific to men

Early symptoms of HIV in men are often vague and unspecific.

Initial HIV symptoms are usually vague and unspecific in men. Early symptoms of the infection are usually bearable and frequently mistaken for flu or another mild condition.

As such, men may undervalue the symptoms and put off seeing a doctor until the symptoms worsen, at which time the infection might be very advanced. The fact that some men do not receive timely treatment may be a reason why men are more severely affected by the disease than women.

However, this may not be true for every man. Besides flu-like symptoms, some men may also experience more severe symptoms early on, such as:

• dementia
• weight loss
• fatigue

In rare cases, it is possible for the condition to progress to AIDS rapidly.

Early signs and symptoms of HIV

Early signs and symptoms of HIV are generally subtle in men. People may easily underestimate them or mistake them for minor health conditions.

Men can experience flu-like symptoms some days to weeks after contracting the virus, which may include:

• fever
• skin rash
• headaches
• a sore throat
• tiredness

Less common early HIV symptoms include:

• ulcers in the mouth
• ulcers on the genitals
• night sweating
• nausea or vomiting
• sore muscles
• pain in the joints
• swollen lymph nodes

How often should a man get tested?

Sexually active men should get routine tests for HIV.

Men who are sexually active should get tested for HIV at least once in their lifetime as part of their routine health care.

The CDC recommend that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 should take an HIV test.

The CDC also recommend that people with specific risk factors should take a test at least once a year. This recommendation applies to gay and bisexual men, and men who have sex with men, and users of injectable drugs.

Besides these formal recommendations, everyone who may have been exposed to HIV or had sex without a condom should also take a test.

Outlook

HIV is a virus that weakens the person's immune system and leaves the body more prone to opportunistic diseases and infections.

Although there is no cure for HIV, it can be well-controlled with medication. People with the virus can live healthy lives with proper medical care and medication.

Getting an early diagnosis and treatment can help slow the progression of the virus and significantly improve a person's quality of life. For men, being able to spot the early signs can help with getting a quick diagnosis.