AIDS is a chronic incurable disease caused by HIV, the human immunodeficiency virus. HIV can be contracted through sexual intercourse, the exchange of blood and body fluids, contaminated intravenous needles, and during childbirth from mother to child transmission. There are some early signs and symptoms of infection with HIV, however, some people will not exhibit any symptoms for many years. If you have had unprotected sex or are concerned that you may have been exposed, ask your physician to test you for HIV. The HIV test is a simple blood test. Symptoms that first appear may vary among individuals.
Headache and Fever
You may experience headache and fever in the early stages of HIV infection. According to the Mayo Clinic, these early HIV symptoms usually disappear within a week to a month and are often mistaken for those of another viral infection. During this time you are highly contagious and can pass HIV onto others. If you think you may have been exposed, and develop a fever and headache, seek medical attention for the appropriate testing. Headache and fever may be present in many types of illnesses, such as the flu or common cold. Only your physician can determine if you have contracted HIV by drawing blood and repeating the test in three months if negative. After being exposed to the virus, it usually takes about three months for the HIV ELISA blood test to change from HIV negative to HIV positive, states Medline.
Swollen Glands, Fatigue and Muscle Aches
Swollen glands and increased fatigue may be the first HIV symptoms to appear. Swollen glands are usually present in the neck area and feel tender to the touch. You may notice that you feel more tired and sluggish than usual. Muscle aches are also a common early symptom of HIV. These symptoms can be easily mistaken for those of another viral or bacterial illness.
Rash
The development of a rash may be the first symptom of HIV to appear. The HIV rash appears as slightly raised, and small and dark in color. This type of rash may appear on any part of the body, but frequently appears on the face and trunk or the hands and feet. The HIV rash usually appears at the time of sero-converison -- about two to three weeks after initial infection -- but can appear later. This type of rash usually lasts about two weeks.
Mouth Sores or Ulcers
You may experience mouth sores or ulcers following infection with HIV. These symptoms usually appear at the same time you experience a mild flu-like illness or rash. According to Medline, a fungal (candida) infection can also appear in the oral cavity.
