AIDS, the full name of which is Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), is a serious infectious disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The HIV virus attacks the human immune system, especially CD4+ T lymphocytes, causing the immune system to gradually collapse, making the human body unable to effectively resist various infections and diseases. With the advancement of medicine, although AIDS cannot be cured, it has become a controllable and manageable chronic disease. This article will briefly introduce how to self-check for the initial signs of AIDS, the correct testing methods, and the importance of medication use.

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Self-Test: Identify Initial Symptoms

It is worth noting that the symptoms of the early stage of AIDS (also known as the acute stage of HIV infection) are often mild and non-specific, and are easily ignored or confused with other diseases. These may include:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Sore throat
• Rash
• Headache
• Muscle and joint pain
• Diarrhea
• However, these symptoms alone cannot confirm HIV infection, as many other diseases may cause similar symptoms. Therefore, the key to self-testing is to recognize that these symptoms may be a warning sign and conduct professional HIV testing as soon as possible.

Correct testing method

1. HIV self-test kit: In recent years, a variety of HIV self-test kits have appeared on the market, which can be used for rapid screening at home. These kits are based on blood or saliva samples, are simple and quick to operate, and the results can usually be displayed within a few minutes to half an hour. But please note that although self-testing is convenient, its results still need to be based on professional laboratory testing.
2. Testing in professional medical institutions: The most accurate and reliable testing method is to go to a hospital, CDC or community health center for professional testing. The tests provided by these institutions include antibody testing, nucleic acid testing, etc., which can more accurately determine the status of HIV infection. At the same time, professionals can also provide necessary consultation and support.

Drug use and treatment

Once HIV infection is confirmed, it is crucial to start antiretroviral therapy (ART) in a timely manner. ART can effectively inhibit the replication of HIV virus, restore immune function, reduce the occurrence of complications, and significantly reduce the risk of virus transmission to others by combining multiple antiviral drugs.

Precautions for drug use:

Follow the doctor's advice: Strictly follow the doctor's prescription and medication instructions, and take the medicine on time and in the right amount.

Regular review: Regularly conduct CD4 cell count, viral load and other tests to evaluate the treatment effect and adjust the treatment plan.

Pay attention to drug interactions: Inform your doctor of all the drugs you are taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, herbal medicines and health products, to avoid drug interactions.

Lifestyle adjustment: Maintain good living habits, including a balanced diet, moderate exercise, adequate sleep and avoid the intake of harmful substances such as tobacco and alcohol.

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Here, you will find a wealth of resources such as popular science articles, video tutorials, online consultation services, etc. carefully prepared by a professional medical team to help you better cope with HIV infection and regain hope for a healthy life.

Remember, AIDS is not terrible, what is terrible is ignorance and neglect. Through scientific testing, timely treatment and a positive attitude towards life, we are fully capable of controlling AIDS within a manageable range and enjoying a quality life.