Does AIDS cause headaches?

Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
Updated on December 09, 2024
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People with AIDS may experience headaches. This can occur when individuals with AIDS develop fevers due to opportunistic infections, leading to an increase in body temperature which may cause cerebral blood vessel dilation and result in headaches. Additionally, some AIDS patients may also have intracranial opportunistic infections, such as infections with Toxoplasma, Cryptococcus, and Tuberculosis, which can cause serious meningitis or encephalitis, leading to severe and intense headaches accompanied by fever. These conditions are very dangerous and require prompt diagnosis and treatment.

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Written by Ye Xi Yong
Infectious Diseases
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How do you get AIDS?

AIDS, also known as Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, is primarily caused by the HIV virus. The virus is mainly found in the blood, semen, vaginal secretions, peritoneal fluid, cerebrospinal fluid, and breast milk of people infected with AIDS. It is primarily transmitted through the following three pathways: sexual contact, blood and blood products, and mother-to-child transmission. If one is infected with AIDS, it is mainly through these three routes.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
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What are the symptoms of AIDS?

During different stages of HIV infection, there are some varying clinical symptoms. The latency period of HIV, also known as the asymptomatic period, generally has no obvious symptoms, though some individuals may only show enlargement of lymph nodes. During the acute infection stage of HIV, symptoms such as generalized lymph node enlargement, fever, rash, and cough are common. In the late stages of HIV, due to severe deficiencies in immune function, there is a high susceptibility to a variety of opportunistic infections, which can lead to unexplained spontaneous fever, diarrhea, cough, and other symptoms that must be addressed according to the specific circumstances.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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Will touching AIDS-infected blood lead to transmission?

If the skin is intact, generally, contact with the blood of an HIV-infected person will not transmit the virus. However, if the skin is damaged and comes into contact with the blood of an HIV-infected person, there is a possibility of transmission. Additionally, the mucous membranes of the body, such as in the eyes, inside the mouth, and various cavities, can potentially get infected with HIV if they come into contact with HIV-infected blood. If these mucous membranes are damaged, the risk of HIV infection significantly increases.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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AIDS diarrhea several times a day

After HIV-infected individuals enter the AIDS phase, due to the severe deficiency in human immune function, viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, and malignant tumors can invade the human digestive system, leading to diarrhea. This diarrhea can occur 3-5 times daily, or even up to 10 times, and it can persist for more than one month.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
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How long does the fever last in AIDS?

People with AIDS are more prone to developing fever. During the onset of AIDS, it is common for the fever to last for over a month, with weight loss exceeding 10 kilograms, along with symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes throughout the body, rash, cough, sore throat, and fever. The fever in AIDS patients is mostly caused by opportunistic infections, typically involving viruses, bacteria, and fungi. The treatment of fever in AIDS should be tailored to the specific circumstances, requiring antiretroviral therapy for HIV and treatment targeting the opportunistic infections.