Early HIV Symptoms

The early symptoms of HIV resemble many common viral illnesses and may not cause you to suspect that you are infected with a life-threatening disease. Although you may not get a positive laboratory test result for HIV until up to six months after you were infected, you may experience some early symptoms and are at risk of infecting others. Consider this information from the Centers for Disease Control and the Mayo Clinic about early HIV symptoms.

Swollen Glands

• Swollen glands in your neck, armpits or genital area are an early sign of HIV infection and may persist for several weeks.

Headaches

• Headaches may be frequent or severe two to four weeks after you are infected with HIV and may cause you have mood and sleep changes.

Fever

• A persistent, mild fever of 100 F or less is an early sign of HIV infection that lasts for up to four weeks and may return at later stages of the disease.

Tiredness

• Persistently feeling tired without having exerted yourself is an early symptom of HIV that may cause you to need more sleep than usual.

Diarrhea

• Diarrhea that lasts for more than one week and is not accompanied by vomiting or abdominal cramping may be a sign of early HIV infection.

Sore Throat

• Soreness and redness of your throat may occur a few weeks after you are infected with HIV and may last for up to two weeks.

Rashes

• Rashes on your skin and in your mouth, along with flushing of your face are early symptoms of HIV that result from your body's reaction to infection.