HIV, the human immunodeficiency virus is a highly contagious chronic lifelong disease. It is acquired through unprotected sexual contact with an infected person, contaminated blood products and syringes, and during childbirth and breast-feeding through mother to child transmission. Some patients will remain asymptomatic for several years, but some patients will experience early symptoms of HIV.
Headache and Fever
The amount of HIV in the blood rises very high within a few days or weeks after initial HIV infection, known as the acute HIV infection phase, reports Aids.org. Patients may develop a headache and fever approximately two to four weeks after infection. It is easy to mistake these vague symptoms for those of a common cold or virus. Those who have engaged in high-risk behavior should be aware of these symptoms and consult their physicians regarding testing for HIV. HIV can be diagnosed by a simple and quick blood or saliva test.
Fatigue and Swollen Lymph Glands
Patients may experience fatigue and swollen lymph glands in the acute infection phase of HIV, according to MayoClinic.com. Infected individuals may seem more tired and sleepy than usual and experience muscle aches and discomfort. Lymph glands are present throughout the body, however, lymph glands in the neck region may be more likely to become enlarged in the early stages of HIV. Swollen lymph nodes may be painful or painless. Those who experience swollen lymph glands should seek medical attention. If HIV is suspected, a test may be performed. If negative, it may be beneficial to retest again in three months. It is possible to test negative in the early stages of HIV if the body has not built up enough antibodies to be detected by the test.
Rash
A common early symptom of HIV is the development of a rash. This rash may occur in conjunction with fever, fatigue and swollen lymph glands. The typical HIV rash is slightly raised and small and dark in color. The HIV rash may affect any part of the body, but it's usually seen on the face and trunk and possibly the hands and feet.
Gastrointestinal Discomfort
According to HIV.org, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may occur during the early stage of HIV infection. These symptoms may occur alone, or in conjunction with other symptoms.
