Health experts urge HIV testing when these five warning signs appear

DDM News

(DDM) – Medical experts have advised Nigerians to seek immediate HIV testing when certain persistent symptoms appear in the body.

They warned that the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, which gradually weakens the immune system, can remain undetected for years without regular screening.

DDM gathered that one of the most dangerous aspects of HIV is its ability to stay hidden while silently damaging the body’s defence system.

Health professionals stress that early detection remains the most effective step in preventing life-threatening complications.

They note that many people dismiss symptoms as minor illnesses, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.

The first major warning sign experts highlighted is persistent fatigue.

If a person feels constantly tired despite getting enough rest, it may indicate that the immune system is under heavy strain.

HIV can disrupt the body’s energy balance, making even light activity exhausting.

The second warning sign is unexplained weight loss.

Losing a significant amount of weight without changes to diet or exercise routines could signal underlying infection.

HIV-related weight loss often occurs because the virus interferes with nutrient absorption and metabolism.

Another key sign is prolonged fever.

If an individual experiences a low-grade fever lasting more than a week without an obvious cause, experts say HIV should be considered as a possible factor.

The fourth sign is recurring skin rashes or lesions.

These can appear anywhere on the body and may be itchy, painful, or resistant to typical treatments.

Doctors note that HIV can trigger various skin conditions because the immune system struggles to fight infections.

The fifth warning sign is frequent or severe infections.

People living with HIV are more vulnerable to illnesses such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, and persistent throat or sinus infections.

Experts caution that experiencing one or more of these symptoms does not automatically mean a person has HIV.

However, they insist that such signs should never be ignored, especially for those with past exposure to risk factors.

Risk factors include unprotected sex, sharing needles, or contact with infected blood.

Health authorities recommend that sexually active individuals get tested at least once a year.

Testing, they say, is quick, confidential, and can be life-saving.

With early detection, modern antiretroviral therapy can control the virus, allowing people to live long and healthy lives.

Public health campaigns continue to emphasise the importance of awareness, testing, and prevention.

Officials urge Nigerians to take responsibility for their sexual health and protect both themselves and their partners.

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