Human immunodeficiency virus infects and kills white blood cells. The decrease in the number of these cells, called T cells, affects the immune system, leaving the body vulnerable to certain types of infections and cancers. According to the University of California, San Francisco, HIV may transmit through infected blood, semen, breast milk and vaginal secretions during sex, sharing needles, blood transfusion or breast feeding. Early symptoms may occur two to four weeks after an initial HIV infection.
Swollen Lymph Glands
Swollen lymph glands are an early symptom of HIV exposure, according to MayoClinic.com. During initial exposure to the virus, antibodies and lymphocytes activate in response to the large volumes of HIV in the blood. The process of attacking the infection is a process called seroconversion, according to Avert.org. Seroconversion must be complete in order for a positive HIV test to occur. During this process, lymph nodes may swell.
Rash
An interaction between the immune system and HIV shortly after exposure may produce a non-itchy, red rash. This rash may last two to three weeks. Rashes may present as small, slightly raised dark bumps appearing on the chest, back, face or neck. Physicians unaware of the underlying cause may prescribe corticosteroids, which will help with inflammation. HIV testing is the only way to understand if a rash is HIV-related.
Fatigue
Fatigue may occur in the early stages of HIV infection. The Body, a service of The HealthCentral Network, reports that fatigue often goes under reported as a symptom of HIV. Between 50 and 80 percent of HIV sufferers experience fatigue, although fatigue worsens as the disease progresses. Fatigue presents as an unusual tiredness that lasts for long periods of time or as exhaustion and lack of energy.
