HIV is a disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus. HIV can be contracted through unprotected sex, contaminated blood or blood products, the sharing of contaminated intravenous needles, and through mother-to-child transmission during childbirth or breast feeding. Early onset HIV symptoms can easily be mistaken for a flu-like illness. Patients should be tested if they think they may be at risk for HIV. A simple blood test can diagnose HIV. The earlier a patient is diagnosed, the earlier they may begin treatment. There are some symptoms of early onset HIV that people should be aware of.
Headache and Fever
Signs and symptoms of HIV infection can appear at the time of sero-conversion, which usually happens approximately two to four weeks following initial infection. Sero-conversion occurs when the body's cells begin to convert from HIV negative to HIV positive. Patients may experience headache and fever in early HIV infection. During this time, a person is highly contagious and may spread HIV to others. According to Mayo Clinic, more-persistent or more-severe symptoms of HIV infection may not appear for several years after the initial infection. Therefore, it is important to realize these symptoms as possible signs of HIV if there has been an exposure.
Fatigue and Swollen Lymph Glands
Patients with onset HIV signs and symptoms may experience fatigue and swollen lymph glands. They may feel more tired and sleepy than usual. Swollen lymph glands may appear anywhere in the body, but most often will appear in the neck area. Often, patients can't tell HIV symptoms apart from symptoms of another viral infection, reports Mayo Clinic. Those who may have been exposed to HIV but test negative should have the test repeated in three months. Even though a patient may be experiencing signs and symptoms of HIV, it may take up to three months for the body to convert and produce a positive HIV ELISA blood test.
Rash and Ulcers
A symptom of early HIV infection is the development of a rash. The typical rash associated with HIV is slightly raised, small and dark in color. It is called a maculopapular rash and can affect any part of the body. It is usually seen on the face and trunk and sometimes affects the hands and feet. The maculopapular rash is a very early symptom of HIV. It usually appears around two or three weeks following infection. It is also possible for patients to develop ulcers in the mouth or on the genitals due to decreased immune function.
