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HIV Symptoms in the Early Days

During the first weeks after infection with HIV, some people experience a flu-like illness whose symptoms closely resemble those of other viral infections. This is first stage HIV-disease and is known as seroconversion illness, named for the process of developing antibodies, or acute HIV infection.

  1. Symptoms

    • The symptoms of acute HIV infection include fever, headache along with aches and pains, sore throat, swollen lymph glands, extreme tiredness, digestive problems and skin rash, according to HIV-Symptoms.info.

    Time Frame

    • The symptoms of first-stage HIV-disease generally occur between two and four weeks after infection, according to the Mayo Clinic. This symptoms generally go away within one month, according to HIV-Symptoms.info.

    Identification

    • Because the symptoms of seroconversion illness are much like those caused by infection with other viruses, it is impossible to make a diagnosis of HIV based on these symptoms alone, and many people remains unaware that they have contracted the virus.

    Considerations

    • Some people do not develop symptoms early on in infection, according to the Mayo Clinic. Symptoms of HIV may not occur until several years after infection.

    Significance

    • HIV testing is necessary to reach a diagnosis of HIV infection, and people who believe they have been infected should pursue testing. See Resources below to locate HIV testing centers.

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