For the first few days or weeks after HIV transmission, the amount of virus in the bloodstream is very high. About half of those who become infected do not experience any symptoms at all, according to AIDS.org. Doctors refer to this initial stage of HIV disease as "acute" or "primary." Early HIV symptoms of infection can be easily mistaken for other common conditions. It is important to contact a health care provider if symptoms appear following risky behavior that could lead to HIV exposure.
Flu-like Illness
Some people come down with flu-like symptoms anywhere from two to four months after contracting HIV. Signs and symptoms include fever, fatigue, head and body aches, swollen lymph glands, and a sore throat. It is also possible to mistake these symptoms for strep throat or a number of other common viral illnesses, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.
These early HIV symptoms usually disappear within a week to a month. People are exceptionally contagious during this period, despite the fact that more severe HIV symptoms may not appear until several years later.
Rash
Some people develop what doctors refer to as a maculopapular rash, according to the IEC Solutions website Understanding-Medical-Conditions.com.This raised HIV-related rash is usually small and dark red in people with light skin, but may appear dark brown or black in people with darker skin. People usually notice this rash on their face and trunk, although it can also appear on the hands and feet. Rashes usually appear about two to three weeks after HIV transmission, although some develop the rash much later.
Intestinal Discomfort
During this initial stage of HIV, some patients experience intestinal problems that usually resolve themselves within a few weeks, according to AIDS.org. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, and are present in less than half of all patients who experience symptoms, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Night Sweats
Some recently infected HIV-patients develop night sweats during this early stage. According to University of Washington Seattle doctor and MedHelp.org contributor Dr. H. Hunter Handsfield, true night sweats only occur together with a high fever, and are never the sole symptom of acute HIV infection.
