The human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, is transmitted by contact with infected bodily fluids through unprotected sex, shared needles and blood transfusions. It eventually causes the life-threatening condition known as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or AIDS. When a person becomes infected with HIV, she then becomes susceptible to cancer and opportunistic infections the human body would normally resist. HIV has no cure, but treatments are available to prolong health and life.
Fever
A fever of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or greater, which mimics the flu, may affect the person infected with HIV, primarily soon after infection. This may occur, the Mayo Clinic reports, between two and four weeks following exposure to the virus. The fever may last two to three days, similar to the flu. At first, the patient may think he has the flu, but screening and testing for HIV will be positive even at this early stage. He may want to get an HIV test if he has had unprotected sex or has shared needles with someone in the past month.
Headaches
Headache is a common symptom associated with flu, along with body aches and joint soreness. The person infected with HIV may get headaches that occur with fever. As soon as the fever is controlled with acetaminophen, bed rest and drinking lots of fluids, the headache will diminish. This symptom may be hard to connect with HIV infection.
Sore Throat
A sore throat is quite common with the flu-like symptoms of HIV infection. A sore throat usually will lessen following common treatments for the flu such as drinking fluids, taking fever-reducing over-the-counter medicine and resting. Gargling with salt water also may help soothe a sore throat.
Swollen Lymph Glands
The person infected with HIV also may notice she has swollen lymph glands or nodes. The human body has many lymph glands, but the swelling may be most noticeable in the underarm area. She also may notice swelling in the groin, neck or behind her ears.
Rash
Body rashes also are common among flu symptoms associated with HIV. Rashes can occur on any part of the body, but usually occur on the infected person's chest, neck and all of the upper body, including his back.
