HIV, which is a precursor to developing AIDS, is transmitted through sexual contact and blood sharing via needles or unscreened blood infusions and in the womb between mother and child, according to Kid's Health. The virus lies dormant in the system for around six weeks before the first symptoms begin to present themselves, as noted by Epigee.org. Ignorance of the early warning signs can prevent timely testing and remove treatment opportunities.
Flu-Like Symptoms
Within six weeks to three months of contracting HIV, the body will begin to exhibit flu-like symptoms, according to Epigee.org. These symptoms are commonly mistaken for a common case of the flu. They can include muscle aches and pains, swollen lymph nodes and fever. However, after their initial appearance, these symptoms disappear in much the same fashion as regular flu symptoms, leading many infected individuals to think they have "recovered" from their illness.
Persistent Diarrhea
According to Medline Plus, another of the early warning signs of an HIV infection is a persistent case of diarrhea. Despite basic home treatments, the diarrhea will not subside. This can be a sign that the HIV has moved into the system, but without a formal test for the illness, it may be dismissed as deep dehydration or poor dietary habits, according to Epigee.com.
Night Sweats
Sweating is another sign of HIV infection. Though excessive sweating in general is not considered to be an early warning symptom, night sweating in particular has been linked to early stage HIV infection, according to Medline Plus. The sweating will be present without associated logical external causes.
Swollen Lymph Nodes
Swollen lymph nodes are a red flag for HIV infections, according to Medline Plus. This is true whether the enlarged lymph nodes are present in conjunction with flu-like symptoms or they appear on their own. According to Kid's Health, enlarged lymph nodes can be an early sign of HIV in babies, and Medline Plus notes that persistently swollen lymph nodes can be a recurring sign of the virus throughout the disease path.
Chronic Fatigue
According to Epigee.com and Medline Plus, persistent fatigue is a sign of both early- and late-stage HIV infection. Initial bouts of extreme exhaustion and lingering fatigue after each bout can be the body's way of letting patients know that their system is in distress. Though it can be mistaken for chronic fatigue syndrome, lagging energy levels or energy levels that never seem to get up to "normal" are a cause for concern, according to Kid's Health.
