What is acute retroviral syndrome?

Acute retroviral syndrome is an infection that affects men and women who have a virus of human immunodeficiency (HIV). Symptoms of this infection, including muscle pain, headaches and fever, are usually the result of a weakened immune system caused by HIV. This disease is difficult to diagnose, often mistakenly classified as flu or other benign viral disease.

There are several names for acute retroviral syndrome, including acute HIV infection. The HIV virus causes the destruction of white blood cells known as CD4 lymphocytes, leading to a weakened immune system and thus acute retroviral syndrome. Risk factors for contractual HIV include sexual contact, contaminated blood transfusions, use of contaminated needles or syringes, childbirth and breastfeeding infected by mother. The first symptoms of this HIV infection may seem like fatigue, weight loss, rash, sore throat, diarrhea, swollen lymphatic glands and reduced appetite. In addition to symptoms similar to cLUBCE, individuals with acute retroviral syndrome can also experience ulcers in their mouths and esophagus. Fever is one of the most common symptoms that individuals who develop this infection show. Because fever is associated with other viral diseases, including mononucleosis and influenza, patients may not be diagnosed with acute HIV infection. This can lead to delayed medical care.

Blood tests accompanied by the assessment of sexual and HIV risk factors of the patient can help determine whether acute retroviral syndrome is present. While the human immunodeficiency virus is not curable, early detection of acute HIV infection can prevent the spread of this virus to sexual partners. Some experts believe that the use of antiretroviral drugs, when acute retroviral syndrome is recognized, can reduce the amount of immune system damage. HIV acute infection can lead to advanced HIV disease, whichCauses vulnerability to opportunistic infections and diseases. It does not always proceed to this phase.

Some men and women who have acute retroviral syndrome may not have symptoms up to 10 years after their initial infection. This phase is commonly referred to as HIV asymptomatic infection at which the symptoms are no longer present, but the immune system is getting worse. Many patients eventually proceed to the syndrome of the acquired immune deficiency (AIDS). Experts encourage men and women who have asymptomatic HIV infection, but have a low number of CD4 cells to perform antiretrovira therapy. This treatment of therapy works to strengthen the immune system and prevents opportunist infections.