Having STD or HIV symptoms? Visit one of our 24-hour emergency rooms (ER) in Dallas, Dallas-Fort Worth for HIV testing and STD treatment today

HIV Emergencies Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

HIV Emergencies: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options Explained

AIDS or Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome is caused by HIV, the Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

AIDS is a potentially life-threatening, chronic condition. When you acquire HIV, it will attack your CD4 cells (T cells) and damage your immune system. It will interfere with your ability to fight off diseases and infections.

HIV is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) meaning the primary method of acquiring HIV is through unprotected sexual intercourse.

HIV Symptoms

HIV symptoms can appear suddenly and can get worse over time. Some people have HIV for years before they know they are infected with the virus. For others, HIV symptoms appear immediately after they are infected.

Even if you do not show any symptoms of HIV, you could still pass the virus to others. The best way to prevent the spread of HIV is to get tested. If you participate in unprotected sex or share drug needles, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends getting tested once a year.

Below are the symptoms of HIV you should know.

Common HIV Symptoms

Less Common HIV Symptoms

  • Nausea
  • Fatigue
  • Ulcer in the mouth
  • Infections
  • Vomiting
  • Sweats
  • Muscle aches and pains

Advanced HIV Symptoms

  • Constant diarrhea
  • Rapid weight loss
  • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
  • Vaginal infections (BV and yeast infection)
  • Chills
  • Coughing
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Memory loss or neurological disorders

If you have any of the symptoms above and you think you have been exposed to HIV, visit ER of Texas Emergency Center emergency room right away. ER of Texas Emergency Center ERs have HIV testing that can quickly identify and treat the disease. Blood testing done based on physician’s determination and diagnosis.

It is important that you seek medical treatment within 72 hours of exposure to HIV for the best possible treatment outcome. Having HIV symptoms is an emergency, so come to one of our nearest emergency rooms immediately.

HIV Treatment Methods

There are several HIV treatment methods available, including:

  • Antiretroviral therapy (ART): This is the most common and effective method of treating HIV. ART involves taking a combination of medications that target different stages of the HIV life cycle. ART can reduce the amount of HIV in the blood to undetectable levels and help restore immune function.
  • Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP): This is a medication taken by people who do not have HIV but are at high risk of contracting it. PrEP can prevent HIV infection if taken consistently.
  • Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP): This is a medication taken by people who have been exposed to HIV, either through unprotected sex or needle sharing. PEP can prevent HIV infection if taken within 72 hours of exposure.
  • Immune-based therapies: These therapies aim to boost the immune system's ability to fight HIV. Examples include therapeutic vaccines and immune modulators.
  • Gene therapies: These experimental therapies aim to modify a person's genes to make them resistant to HIV infection.

It's important to note that HIV treatment should be individualized, and a healthcare provider should be consulted to determine the best treatment plan for each person.

Side Effects of HIV Medication

Modern drugs are very effective at treating HIV emergencies, but they may cause serious side effects or complications. In some cases, these side effects require immediate medical treatment to prevent further complications.

  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Insomnia
  • Severe weight loss

HIV Testing and Treatment

At ER of Texas emergency center ERs, we test for HIV and STDs (sexually transmitted diseases).

We understand that possible HIV exposure can be upsetting, but our board-certified physicians will take the time to discuss treatment options as well as the value of proactive sexual health with you. They will answer any questions that you may have in clear and easy-to-understand terms. It’s our goal to help you take charge of your personal health, and we’re here to help in any way that we can.

See also: STD – Emergency Room Diagnosis, Test, and Treatment Options

We have 9 facilities spread across the DFW area with average wait times of less than 10 mins that are OPEN 24/7 located in Hurst, Colleyville, Frisco, Highland Village, Hillcrest, Uptown, Little Elm, Mansfield, and Texoma.

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