There are various early signs of HIV which can lead you to suspect that you are infected. These signs are medically referred to as Acute HIV Infection (Primary Infection) and will typically manifest 2 – 4 weeks after infection.The large majority of individuals will exhibit these symptoms but many people ignore them because the symptoms tend to be similar to a flu.
Symptoms of Early HIV Infection
2-4 weeks after exposure to the HIV virus either through unprotected sex or other means, the large majority of individuals will come down with an illness that resembles a bad flu. Many people usually describe it as the ‘worst cold you have ever had’. Typical (most common) symptoms include:
- Fever
- Lymphadenopathy (swollen/enlarged lymph nodes)
- Pharyngitis (sore throat)
- Rash
- Myalgia (muscle pain)
- Malaise (general weakness)
- Mouth and esophageal (throat) sores
Less commonly, symptoms may also include:
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Enlarged liver/spleen
- Weight loss
- Thrush (whitish patches in the mouth and throat caused by a fungus known as candida)
- Neurological symptoms
According to the New England Journal of Medicine, these symptoms “may last from a few days to more than 10 weeks, but the duration is usually less than 14 days”.
What to Do
If you have had unprotected sex or you have been exposed in some other way such as handling raw human blood or been pricked by an un-sterile hypodermic needle used on another person, you have good reason to suspect that you are HIV positive. You should immediately visit a medical facility and get tested. Tell the medical attendants about your likely exposure and the symptoms you are experiencing.
Benefits of Early HIV Detection
If you happen to be infected, there are benefits to early detection. A News report in the New Scientist Magazine on 20th March 2013 reported that Dr Asier Sáez-Cirión of the Pasteur Institute in Paris “analysed 70 people with HIV who had been treated with three antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) between 35 days and 10 weeks after infection. The analysis revealed that 14 patients – four women and 10 men – were able to stay off Anti Retrovirals without relapsing, after initially taking the drugs for about 3 years”.
Further, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “early treatment of infected persons substantially reduces their risk of transmitting HIV to others”.
Tips & Warnings
- If you have had unprotected sex or been exposed in some way in the recent past, don’t wait for symptoms to appear, go get tested.
- Not everyone will experience the post exposure symptoms of early HIV infection. Some people may have all the symptoms, some may manifest only a few and others none at all. The best thing is to get tested if you have engaged in any risky behavior or have been exposed to the virus in any way.
Resources
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
The New England Journal of Medicine
Suggested Reading
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