If you are exposed to the human immunodeficiency virus--commonly called HIV--you can develop primary HIV symptoms two to six weeks after you become infected. People with primary HIV, also called acute HIV, will not test positive for the infection using the standard HIV antibody tests, despite having the infection. Talk with your doctor immediately if you believe you have been exposed to HIV or if you develop primary HIV symptoms to ensure that you do not spread this infection to other people.
Fever
Up to 90 percent of patients with primary HIV develop symptoms within the first month following HIV infection, according to The Body, a leading online HIV/AIDS resource. One of the most common primary HIV symptoms is fever. A fever occurs as a natural immune response to the presence of an infection within the body. Raising your body temperature helps prevent the virus from replicating and spreading throughout your body. If you develop a fever, you can also experience sweating, chills, headache, body aches or fatigue.
Rash or Ulcers
You can develop a skin rash as a result of primary HIV infection. You may notice that you develop red patches of skin across your body that may become swollen or begin to itch, says AETC National Resource Center, a website that provides AIDS education and training center information. Skin lesions can appear dark red in color and may localize to only one region of the body. Certain people with primary HIV can also develop skin ulcerations within the mouth or around the genital area. Skin ulcers can be painful and may appear inflamed or leak pus or fluid.
Stomach Upset
General symptoms of stomach upset can occur due to primary HIV infection. You may feel nauseous or begin vomiting, which can contribute to a decrease in your appetite. Certain patients also experience frequent bowel movements that produce loose or watery stools--a symptom called diarrhea. If you have diarrhea, you may develop abdominal cramping, pain or bloating as primary HIV symptoms. A sore throat can also occur as a sign of primary HIV infection and can make it difficult for you to eat or drink certain foods or beverages.
Swollen Lymph Glands
The lymph glands are a part of your body's immune system and act to filter waste and infectious substances from your blood stream. If you have primary HIV infection, you might notice that the lymph glands in your neck or underneath your armpits feel swollen or tender to the touch, according to Medline Plus, an informational health website provided by the National Institutes of Health and the National Library of Medicine. Swollen lymph glands can contribute to a general feeling of sickness and typically occur in conjunction with other symptoms such as fever or stomach upset.
