Human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, is a chronic lifelong illness that can be contracted through sexual contact, contaminated needles, contaminated blood products and during childbirth through mother-to-child transmission. Patients often exhibit symptoms during early infection but then may remain asymptomatic--or have no outward symptoms--for 7 to 10 years. Unfortunately, HIV tests are not accurate immediately after infection because it takes time for the body to develop the HIV antibodies that the blood test looks for--usually about 12 weeks, reports the Mayo Clinic. Patients who test negative for HIV but are in a high-risk group--and those who have been experiencing symptoms--should be retested in approximately three months.
Headache and Fever
According to Mayo Clinic, individuals who are infected with HIV may show no early signs or symptoms at all, although it's more common for them to develop a brief flu-like illness two to four weeks after becoming infected. Patients may experience headache and fever during this time. It is easy to misinterpret these symptoms for those of a cold or flu. If someone is at high risk for transmission or has had unprotected sexual intercourse and develops these symptoms, he may want to consult his health care provider or make an appointment with a clinic that does anonymous HIV tests. In either setting, an HIV blood test is done by a simple and quick blood draw and results remain confidential.
Sore Throat and Swollen Lymph Glands
Some patients with early physical HIV symptoms experience a sore throat and swollen lymph glands. Lymph gland swelling may appear anywhere in the body but is most likely to affect the throat and neck area. These symptoms can appear around the time of seroconversion, which can occur within several weeks following exposure to HIV. Seroconversion occurs in the body following exposure, as the virus multiplies in the lymph nodes and begins to destroy the white blood cells that keep the immune system strong. A sore throat and swollen lymph glands should be brought to the attention of a physician.
Rashes and Ulcers
First physical symptoms of HIV may also include an unusual rash. The rash that typically appears in early-stage infection is slightly raised, small in size and dark in color. This type of rash, called a maculopapular rash, can affect any part of the body but usually appears on the face and trunk and occasionally on the feet and hands. Some patients may experience ulcers or sores on the mouth or genitals during this time. This rash may last for a couple of weeks.
