Millions of people around the world are afflicted with the human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV. The early symptoms of HIV can be so mild they are ignored or mistaken for a different illness, such as flu. Because the symptoms of HIV and influenza are so similar, it is important for people who may have been exposed to the virus to undergo a Western Blot test to determine if HIV is the cause of the symptoms. Because HIV almost always leads to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or AIDS, it is important to be tested so medical intervention can be taken as soon as possible.
Fever
The Mayo Clinic lists fever as one of the earliest symptoms of HIV. The body uses white blood cells to defend against harmful viruses and bacteria. When a virus, such as HIV, has been contracted, the body springs into action, sending as many white blood cells as it can as quickly as it can to eradicate the problem. Because these cells are moving so quickly through the body, the core body temperature will rise, causing a fever. The fever that is present with HIV infection will last several weeks and usually begins as a low-grade fever. When the virus becomes more advanced, night sweats and chills can accompany the fever.
Yeast Infection
Medline Plus states patients in the early stages of HIV infection will sometimes develop yeast infections. This includes vaginal yeast infections as well as oral yeast infections. Although it is normal for yeast to reside inside the body, when this yeast grows to uncontrollable numbers, an infection occurs. The body's immune system is compromised when there is an HIV infection, so the body has trouble keeping the yeast down to a healthy balance.
Recurrent Mild Headaches
Most patients who have been infected with HIV will develop mild headaches that keep coming back. The Cleveland Clinic website states that headache and an overall feeling of being unwell are common first symptoms of HIV infection. It is possible for a person who has HIV to also suffer body aches on a recurrent basis with the headaches.
Excessive Fatigue
Most people with HIV will suffer from severe excessive fatigue in the early stages. The Mayo Clinic describes the fatigue resulting from HIV infection to cause the patient to feel as if he can't get out of bed. This fatigue is never relieved by rest. It can become so extreme that the patient's school or work attendance is adversely affected.
