Patients who develop symptoms during the first two to four weeks following exposure to the human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, can be diagnosed with an acute HIV infection. Acute HIV infection symptoms can be similar to symptoms of the common cold or flu. Anyone who has been exposed to HIV should receive prompt medical care to ensure that this virus is not spread to other uninfected people.
Fever or Headache
When the human body is exposed to an infection, the immune system raises the body's core temperature to help kill the invading pathogen. Exposure to the HIV virus can cause affected patients to develop fever, according to FamilyDoctor.org, a medical information website established by the American Academy of Family Physicians. A fever during acute HIV infection is typically low-grade and can occur in conjunction with a headache. These acute HIV infection symptoms can persist for several weeks before resolving. Affected patients can help control fever and headache by using an over-the-counter pain or fever-reducing medication, such as acetaminophen.
Swollen Lymph Nodes
When a virus such as HIV enters the body, the immune system increases the number of white blood cells in the blood to help fight off the infection. These white blood cells can accumulate within the lymph nodes--small glands located in the neck, groin or armpits that help filter toxins from the blood. When this occurs, as during an acute HIV infection, the lymph nodes can appear unusually swollen or enlarged, explains MedlinePlus, a medical information website supported by the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Sore Throat
A sore throat can arise in patients with HIV during the acute phase of infection, report medical professionals with the University of California San Francisco. Affected patients can develop a dry, irritated throat and may experience difficulty swallowing normally. Certain patients can also develop skin lesions within the mouth or along the throat, which can exacerbate symptoms, explain medical professionals with the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Fatigue
Patients with an acute HIV infection can experience excessive fatigue as a symptom of this disease, according to health professionals with the University of Washington. Excessive fatigue can occur in conjunction with muscle aches or pains. Affected patients may have difficulty remaining alert during the day or may sleep for longer periods of time than normal.
Rash
An unusual, red, irritated skin rash can develop across the body of a patient with an acute HIV infection. The rash is temporary but may persist for a few days or weeks before subsiding, warn medical professionals with the UMMC.
