The human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, is an infection that degrades the body's immune system. The early signs and symptoms of HIV affect approximately 50 to 90 percent of infected people, reports UpToDate, a peer-reviewed medical information website for patients. People who have been exposed to HIV should consult a doctor immediately to ensure receipt of appropriate care.
No Early Signs and Symptoms
Initially, patients infected with HIV may not exhibit noticeable symptoms. Despite this lack of symptoms, infected patients are still contagious and can spread this virus to other healthy, uninfected infants, partners or people through breastfeeding, sexual activities or sharing contaminated drug needles. People who are sexually active should receive regular HIV testing to ensure the virus is detected early on.
Fever
During the early stage of HIV infection, also called acute HIV, symptoms typically develop within the first 2 to 4 weeks following exposure to the virus, explains MedlinePlus, an online medical encyclopedia established by the National Institutes of Health. Fever is a common early symptom of HIV in affected patients. A patient with HIV can develop a fever that exceeds 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit that may persist for up to 2 weeks, reports UpToDate. Patients with fever symptoms may also experience sweating, chills or headache, and should seek additional care from a doctor.
Swollen Lymph Nodes
Patients with HIV can develop large, swollen lymph nodes as an early sign of infection, according to medical experts at the University of California San Francisco Medical Center. Lymph node swelling occurs when immune cells accumulate within a patient's bloodstream due to infection. The swollen lymph nodes can develop within the neck, groin or underneath the arms and are typically painless.
Muscle Aches or Fatigue
This infection can cause muscle aches or fatigue in affected patients, warns MedlinePlus. These early symptoms of HIV can make it difficult for patients to participate in their usual daily activities. Muscle aches and fatigue may persist for several weeks before subsiding.
Sore Throat or Oral Ulcers
Sore throat symptoms can develop during the early stage of HIV infection. Affected patients can experience difficulty swallowing, which may contribute to a decreased appetite. Certain patients also develop oral skin lesions along the tongue, gums or throat, which can be painful, explains UpToDate. Patients who develop any of these early HIV symptoms should consult a doctor for further care.
Rash
A skin rash can appear as an early sign of HIV infection in affected patients, reports FamilyDoctor.org, a health information website supported by the American Academy of Family Physicians. Red, irritated patches of skin can appear across an infected patient's face, neck or body. These skin rash symptoms may persist for up to a week following onset, explains UpToDate.
Stomach Upset
Additionally, patients with this infection can experience nausea, vomiting or diarrhea as early symptoms of HIV. These uncomfortable stomach upset symptoms can contribute to a decreased appetite and subsequent weight loss in certain patients.
