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Signs & Symptoms of HIV in the First Months

An individual who has been infected with the HIV virus may begin to notice signs and symptoms as early as six weeks to three months after she becomes infected with the virus. Some individuals will not develop any noticeable symptoms or signs, therefore taking a HIV test is the only sure way a person can know if he has become infected with the virus.

  1. Flu-Like Symptoms

    • An HIV-infected individual may develop flu-like symptoms. These symptoms tend to occur while an infected person’s body is forming antibodies to the virus itself. These symptoms include fever, rash, swollen lymph nodes or glands, and muscle aches. Headaches are other early symptoms that occur because the virus has weakened a person’s immune system. Not all individuals develop apparent flu-like symptoms, but that does not mean the virus has not been contracted.

    Severe Symptoms

    • Severe symptoms and signs of HIV infection include sudden increased weight loss; the virus can cause loss of appetite. If a person loses ten percent or more of her body weight, she should contact a physician. A person who has a case of diarrhea that has lasted for longer than one month should consult with a physician, because this can be a sign of HIV. Women and men have different severe symptoms and signs of HIV. For instance, women may experience chronic yeast infections, though both women and men can have oral yeast infections. Lesions inside the mouth or on the skin is a severe symptom of HIV infection.

    Minor Symptoms

    • Some of the early signs of HIV may seem minor, but you should still consult with a physician about the symptoms. For instance, extreme exhaustion could be an early sign of HIV, which most people ignore because it seems minor. Early bruising and unexplained body rashes may not seem like much to worry about, but ignoring the symptoms does not prevent the virus from progressing. Catching early signs and symptoms of HIV can help a person treat the virus, and possibly increase the amount of time the virus takes to develop into AIDS. A person who goes untreated for the HIV virus can develop AIDS in as little as eight years, whereas a person who notices the signs and symptoms and has proper treatment can be infected with HIV for 15 years or more before he develops full-blown AIDS.

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