HIV infection is a disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The condition gradually destroys the immune system, which makes it harder for the body to fight infections, reports Medline. HIV is spread through sex and body fluids, blood products, mother to fetus, and through contaminated needles and syringes. Many people don't have any symptoms for up to 10 years after exposure. HIV is diagnosed by a simple blood test. If you may have been exposed to HIV and your blood test is negative, you should repeat the test in three months. It may take up to three months for the virus to be detected in your bloodstream.
Fever and Headache
You may experience fever and headache after exposure to HIV. This may be similar to the headache and fever you would experience with a flu. Treat your headache and fever with acetaminophen, as per your doctor's consent. If you may have been exposed to HIV or have had unprotected sex, contact your physician for an HIV test.
Rash
The typical HIV rash is slightly raised, small and dark in color. It's called a maculopapular rash and may affect any part of the body, but it's usually seen on the face and trunk and possibly the hands and feet. It's possible to also develop ulcers in the mouth or on genitals. The rash is a very early symptom of HIV. It usually appears around two or three weeks following infection.
Sore Thoat and Swollen Lymph Glands
Sore throat and swollen lymph glands may be an indicator of HIV infection. This usually occurs in the early stages and can be easily mistaken for flu-like symptoms, tonsillitis or mononucleosis.
Symptoms of Later Infection
After you have been infected with HIV for several years, the virus has already destroyed many of your body's immune cells. Swollen lymph glands (also a symptom of early HIV), diarrhea, weight loss, fever, cough and shortness of breath, night sweats, blurred vision, skin lesions and mouth ulcers are commonly experienced in HIV infection. Some people develop an opportunistic infection such as Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP), which may occur once your body's immune system has been severely compromised.
