It possibly could be. Im not sure what you are taking. However your body should adjust and go back to normal.
May 6
just your body adjusting to the medication and your immune system trying to get back to normal. Give it about a month and you should be feeling better.
May 11
Starting HIV treatment is a big step, and it's completely understandable to wonder if what you're experiencing is normal. What you're describing — loose stools and a slight fever around 2 weeks into treatment — could be related to something called IRIS (Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome).
IRIS is an inflammatory Show Full Answer
Starting HIV treatment is a big step, and it's completely understandable to wonder if what you're experiencing is normal. What you're describing — loose stools and a slight fever around 2 weeks into treatment — could be related to something called IRIS (Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome).
IRIS is an inflammatory response that can happen when your immune system starts getting stronger after beginning antiretroviral therapy (ART). As your immune system "wakes up," it can start fighting infections it previously couldn't, which can actually make you feel worse for a while — even though your treatment is working. IRIS typically shows up within the first 4 to 8 weeks of starting treatment, so your timing fits. Some symptoms to watch for include:
- Fever
- Diarrhea or loose stools
- Pain
- Breathing difficulties
- Vision problems
That said, these symptoms should not be ignored, especially the fever combined with liquid stools. It's really important to contact your doctor as soon as possible. They'll want to rule out any infections that may need specific treatment, and make sure you're not becoming dehydrated from the diarrhea. People with lower CD4 counts when starting treatment are more likely to experience IRIS, but anyone beginning ART can be affected. Don't wait this one out on your own — reach out to your healthcare team today. Better safe than sorry! 🩺
May 6
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