Over half of the estimated 56,000 new cases of HIV infection diagnosed in the United States each year affect men who have sex with men, according to health professionals with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Early or acute HIV symptoms in men typically mimic those experienced by females and should be discussed with a doctor immediately if they arise.
Fever and Headache
Men can develop a fever as an early symptom of HIV infection. Fever symptoms typically exceed 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit and can cause additional symptoms of sweating, chills or headache, explains UpToDate. These early HIV symptoms in men can persist for up to two weeks before resolving.
Ulcers or Skin Rash
An unusual skin rash can appear as an early HIV symptom in men. Affected men can develop red, irritated patches of skin across the body, including the groin, penis or anus. Skin rash symptoms are typically painless, but the affected skin can appear dry or may begin to itch. Additionally, men infected with HIV can develop painful ulcers within the mouth or throat, warn medical professionals with MedlinePlus. These early HIV symptoms in men typically appear approximately one to four weeks after initial exposure to the infection.
Swollen Lymph Nodes
Swollen lymph nodes are a common early symptom of HIV in men, explain medical professionals with the Mayo Clinic. The lymph nodes are a part of the immune system and help protect the body by clearing pathogens from the blood. Enlarged, swollen lymph nodes can appear along a man's neck, underneath his armpits or near his groin. Though these enlarged lymph nodes generally do not cause pain, they can appear persistently swollen for several weeks following symptom onset.
Fatigue or Muscle Aches
Excessive fatigue and unusual muscle aches and pain can occur as early HIV symptoms in men, reports The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. Affected men may take frequent naps throughout the day to remain energized or can appear inattentive or disoriented during normal daily activities. Muscle and body aches and pain can exacerbate fatigue symptoms in certain men with HIV.
Sore Throat or Decreased Appetite
Men can develop sore throat symptoms during the early stage of HIV infection, warn MedlinePlus medical professionals. A sore throat can be uncomfortable and may contribute to difficulty swallowing or decreased appetite in affected men. These early HIV symptoms in men generally subside within approximately four weeks of onset.
