Over 33 million people throughout the world are infected with the human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, reports the Merck Manual, an online medical encyclopedia for patients and caregivers. The early symptoms of HIV can be difficult to detect and typically arise within 1 to 2 weeks following initial exposure to the virus. Patients who exhibit any of the early symptoms of HIV require immediate medical attention.
Flu-like Symptoms
During the early or acute stage of HIV infection, patients can develop mild to moderate flu-like symptoms, explain medical professionals with the University of California San Francisco Medical Center. Patients with HIV can experience fever, headache, sore throat or excessive fatigue. These symptoms may be accompanied by sweating, chills or a decreased appetite. During this early stage of infection, affected patients can spread this virus to other uninfected people through certain intimate activities, such as sexual contact or breastfeeding. These flu-like HIV symptoms typically resolve within a few weeks of onset. Though flu-like symptoms can be signs of other infections, patients who develop these early HIV symptoms should seek medical care immediately.
Swollen Lymph Nodes
The lymph nodes are a part of the body's endocrine system and work with the immune system to remove infectious pathogens from the bloodstream. In patients with HIV, the lymph nodes can appear swollen or enlarged due to the presence of infection, explains FamilyDoctor.org, a medical information website supported by the American Academy of Family Physicians. This early symptom of HIV can persist for several weeks or months and may become progressively worse as the disease advances. Swollen lymph nodes can appear within the neck, groin or underneath the armpits and are typically painless.
Skin Rash
Patients infected with HIV can develop a skin rash as an early symptom of this disease, report health officials with MayoClinic.com. Red, irritated patches of skin can develop across a HIV-infected patient's body and may appear dry or begin to itch. This early HIV symptom is typically temporary and subsides within the first few weeks following exposure to the virus. Patients who develop skin rash symptoms should seek additional medical care as this sign of HIV can also be indicative of alternate health issues.
Oral Ulcers
Skin lesions can develop within the mouth or along the throat of patients infected with HIV, explains MedlinePlus, a health information website supported by the National Institutes of Health. Oral ulcers can be painful and may contribute to decreased appetite or sore throat symptoms in affected patients. A patient who develops ulcers within the mouth should seek care from a physician as these early symptoms of HIV can be signs of other medical problems.
