Question

Are “fits” a late-stage HIV symptom?

24 December 2017. Related: All topics, Opportunistic infections.

Is fitting a late stage in the disease process?

Answer

Answer: Simon Collins

Hi

“Fit” has several meanings in a medical context.

The main one is having a seizure or convulsion, for example one caused by epilepsy.

This symptoms can sometimes be related to a late stage infection, if the brain is affected. This risk is higher if the CD4 count is very low, ie less than 200, 100, and then 50.

Having an emotional fit – ie a bad temper – is sometimes related to HIV or HIV meds as a side effect (with efavirenz).

Without more information it is difficult to comment.

These symptoms do not imply HIV though unless someone has tested HIV positive.