The signs and symptoms of HIV (early/ acute HIV) can begin 2 to 4 weeks after transmission occurs with HIV. During the initial weeks after transmission, about 80% of people will develop symptoms similar to the flu.
This may include things like fever, fatigue, sore throat, headaches and swollen lymph nodes. Although many of symptoms are similar, there are some differences to look for between HIV and the flu. Early HIV may cause rash or mouth sores.
Flu signs that differ may be nasal congestion, cough and sneezing. Symptoms can last for just a few days or weeks, and in rare cases for several months. After that, the person may feel and look fine for some time.
HIV testing is the only way to know if a person has HIV. If HIV is left untreated, over time it will seriously damage the person’s immune system and leave him or her open to life-threatening infections and even death. Early in the epidemic, before our current treatments were available, most people living with HIV died within 12-15 years.
Today, once a person has a reactive (meaning the test found evidence of HIV) test result, he or she will be linked to a health care provider who will provide care and prescribe medication they need.
With treatment, people living with HIV can stay healthy and live life fully. HIV is no longer a death sentence. Now people living with HIV are living as long as those who do not have HIV.
List of Signs And Symptoms of HIV
Early (weeks to months after exposure):
- Flu-like illness
- Swollen lymph nodes
Late (years after exposure):
- Persistent fevers
- Night sweats
- Prolonged diarrhea
- Unexplained weight loss
- Purple bumps on skin or inside mouth and nose
- Chronic fatigue
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Recurrent respiratory infections
Note: These symptoms are not specific for HIV and may have other causes. Most persons with HIV have no symptoms at all for several years.
