Human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome which is also known as AIDS. TheBody.com, an online site that promotes HIV/AIDS educational resources, reports that about half of people newly infected with HIV experience no symptoms at all. The other half of people infected experience several different symptoms caused by acute HIV infection.
Fever
MedlinePlus, an online medical encyclopedia associated with the U.S. National Library of Medicine, reports that fever is one of the primary symptoms experienced by people newly infected with HIV. Merck Manuals adds that, along with the fever, the person may experience intermittent sweats.
Secondary Infections
TheBody.com says that up to 60 percent of memory CD4 T cells, a type of cell important in fighting infections, is killed by the virus as a result of acute infection. The result is secondary infections, which can cause various symptoms. For example, Merck Manuals reports that a skin rash can develop as a result of herpes zoster infection, or white plaques can develop in the mouth and/or throat as a result of overgrowth of the yeast candida.
Gastrointestinal Problems
Other symptoms of acute HIV infection involve gastrointestinal problems. TheBody.com notes that a newly infected person may experience nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea.
Swollen Lymph Nodes
In response to the viral infection, a person's lymph nodes may grow in size and become swollen. This occurs because, in response to many different types of secondary infections, the white blood cells of the immune system divide rapidly in an attempt to attack the infectious agent. The rapidly dividing cells make the lymph nodes bigger and may make the tissue around the lymph nodes tender and sore.
Other Symptoms
Other symptoms of acute HIV infection include flu-like symptoms such as headache, fatigue and weakness, according to MedlinePlus. Joint pain may be experienced as well.
