Human Immunodeficiency Virus or HIV attacks a person’s immune system, making it vulnerable to diseases and infections. The virus is transmitted through bodily fluids. HIV is a lifelong condition; however, it is much more easily manageable now. Detecting HIV at an early stage can help the doctors treat the patient better. The article sheds light on some uncommon early signs of HIV infection and foods that can delay its progression.

Early uncommon signs of HIV infection
One of the challenges faced in managing HIV is detection in the early stages. However, researchers have concluded that the early signs mentioned below could indicate an onset of HIV.

• Aids-defining symptoms
  In some cases, HIV patients develop symptoms at an early stage that are typically observed in the later stage of infection. These symptoms include esophageal candida and herpes zoster (shingles).
• Gastrointestinal symptoms
  Close to 15% of HIV patients develop non-HIV-associated gastrointestinal symptoms like gastric bleeding, kidney failure, gallbladder inflammation, and tonsillitis in some cases.
• CNS-associated symptoms
  Central nervous system-associated illnesses such as encephalitis or brain inflammation, meningitis, transient facial paralysis, and acute psychiatric cases were observed in close to 12% of HIV patients in the early stages. Unfortunately, most of these early symptoms are misdiagnosed, resulting in the progression of HIV infection to AIDS.

Foods that slow HIV progression
Some foods can help manage the condition and delay its progression.

• Kale
  Inflammation is one of the critical markers of HIV. So, vegetables like kale, spinach, yellow and red bell peppers, carrots, and radicchios can help keep inflammation under check.
• Salmon
  Weight loss is one of the significant symptoms of a progressing HIV, and low body weight can make the body more vulnerable to a host of infections. Some of the best protein sources like salmon, lean meat cuts, nuts, beans, and seeds can help maintain muscle mass and body weight.
• Milk
  Maintaining bone health is also essential in delaying the progression of HIV infection. Hence, including options such as milk, which is rich in vitamin D and calcium, in daily meals is essential.
• Brown rice
  It is important to include fibrous foods such as brown rice, oats, and avocados, as they help properly absorb nutrients.

While foods can merely aid in maintaining a strong immune system, it is essential to resort to medical intervention to manage HIV infection. PIFLETRO® or doravirine is one such option. It delays the progression of HIV by reducing the load of the virus in the body. PIFLETRO® comes in the form of pills and should be had once daily. Zidovudine is another option that works similarly. Both these options belong to a class of medications called Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NRTI).