Infection with the human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, causes an initial flu-like illness in 40 to 90 percent of patients, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The illness--described synonymously as acute HIV infection and acute retroviral syndrome--develops in the days to weeks after the virus is contracted. CDC estimates that in 2006 more than 56,000 new HIV infections occurred in the United States.
Low-grade Fever
Fever occurs in nearly all patients who develop acute HIV symptoms. In a landmark study published in 1993 in the "Journal of Infectious Diseases," Dr. Manette Niu and colleagues reported that more than 95 percent of patient with acute retroviral syndrome experience fever. The fever typically proves low-grade and may be accompanied by night sweats in some patients.
Swollen Glands
The majority of patients with symptomatic acute HIV infections develop swollen glands, or lymph nodes, according to CDC. Enlarged lymph nodes near the skin surface prove most easily detectable. Acute HIV infection represents a period of rapid viral replication and dissemination of the virus throughout the lymphatic system.
Sore Throat
A sore throat occurs in approximately seven out of 10 patients with acute retroviral syndrome, according to the medical reference text "Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases." Some patients may experience accompanying mouth ulcers or an oral yeast infection.
Skin Rash
A skin rash may develop in patients with acute HIV syndrome, reports the Columbia University Medical Center. The rash typically appears as red areas with small raised bumps, commonly occurring on the face, torso and extremities. Extension of the rash onto the palms or soles proves distinctive, although not unique.
Muscle and Joint Pain
Muscle and joint aches occur in approximately 50 percent of patients with acute retroviral syndrome, according to Niu and colleagues. Pain typically proves relatively mild, similar to the aches that accompany influenza.
Headaches and Malaise
Patients with acute HIV infection may experience headaches and malaise--a generalized sense of feeling ill. These symptoms typically resolve along with the other symptoms of the acute illness.
Gastrointestinal Upset
Gastrointestinal upset occurs in approximately 30 to 60 percent of patients with acute retroviral syndrome, reports Dr. Barbara Perlmutter in a 1999 study published in "American Family Physician." Symptoms may include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite. Some patients with severe symptoms experience weight loss.
Genital Ulcers
Genital ulcers may occur in some patients with acute HIV infection. The ulcers may trigger suspicion of HIV as a possible cause of the patient's symptoms. Notably, patients are highly contagious during the acute phase of an HIV infection, reports Johns Hopkins. The identification of acute retroviral syndrome may help prevent unintentional spreading of the virus to others.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, MMWR: Guidelines for Using Antiretroviral Agents Among HIV-Infected Adults and Adolescents
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: HIV/AIDS Basic Statistics
- "Journal of Infectious Diseases"; Primary Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Infection: Review of Pathogenesis and Early Treatment Intervention in Humans and Animal Retrovirus Infections; Dr. Manette T. Niu, et al.; December 1993
- "Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases, Sixth Edition"; Dr. Gerald L. Mandell, et al., Editors; 2004
- Columbia University Medical Center: Acute HIV Treatment Studies
