When a person first contracts human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), it is often mistaken for flu. The symptoms are nearly identical unless the infection reappears at a later time as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). This may not happen for months or even years. The first signs of AIDS are more pronounced than initial, or "acute retroviral syndrome" symptoms, which may be negligible, depending on the person infected. Either way, only a laboratory test of a blood sample for HIV presence is conclusive.
Fever
In the primary HIV infection stage, you may contract a mild fever. Since any number of infections could be the cause, there is no reason to identify HIV as the source. But if the HIV infection comes back later as AIDS, the fever is more pronounced and doesn't stop. It may even cause you to have "night sweats."
Rash or thrush
Early in an HIV infection you may have a skin rash as an indicator. If the HIV infection comes back as AIDS, you may have a yeast infection in your mouth called candidiasis. This is a white area in the mouth called oral thrush.
Headache
A mild headache is typical of the first stage of HIV infection. It is also common with a flu infection. If the HIV infection returns as AIDS, you may have aches all over your body, not just a headache. Cleveland Clinic staff say that with AIDS the patient feels as if she is sick constantly.
Tiredness
In the first stage of HIV infection, the patient tends to feel tired even though he is getting enough rest. This may be a passing feeling at the beginning of an HIV infection. If the HIV infection comes back as AIDS, the tired feeling is continuous.
Swollen glands
The HIV infection may cause swollen lymph glands at the neck as an early sign. The swollen glands may return with AIDS at the neck, groin and underarm areas.
