Early Indications of HIV

People exposed to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) often wait for the earliest symptoms of the disease before they get tested or seek treatment. The symptoms of HIV are directly related to the amount of the virus, or viral load, present in the body. Ironically, those newly infected with HIV often have few or no symptoms.

• Those with HIV or AIDS don't always see symptoms.

Exposure

• Some HIV-positive people develop what feels like the flu shortly after exposure to HIV. Mayoclinic.com says symptoms of headache, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes and rash can occur two to four weeks after the infection.

Diagnosis

• The presence of early symptoms does not indicate HIV infection. The San Francisco AIDS Foundation reports that the virus can remain undetectable for three to six months after exposure. An HIV test is recommended at three and six months after possible exposure to establish HIV status.

Progression

• Symptoms of HIV infection may develop eight to 10 years after diagnosis and include fatigue, rash, headache and oral thrush, as well as the flu-like symptoms experienced during primary infection.

Considerations

• A person diagnosed with HIV may never develop symptoms, particularly when HIV medications are taken regularly, which can keep the viral load at undetectable levels.

Prevention

• A symptom-free HIV-positive person is contagious, so it is essential that anyone infected with the virus use a condom during every sexual encounter. An intravenous drug user with HIV must never share needles. Women who discover that they are HIV-positive during pregnancy can receive antiviral medication to help the infant remain negative.