What symptoms might someone experience during the first week of HIV infection?
During the first week after HIV infection, many people may not experience any symptoms at all. When symptoms do appear, they typically start within two to four weeks of infection, though they can occasionally begin as early as one to two weeks.
Show Full Answer
What symptoms might someone experience during the first week of HIV infection?
During the first week after HIV infection, many people may not experience any symptoms at all. When symptoms do appear, they typically start within two to four weeks of infection, though they can occasionally begin as early as one to two weeks.
If symptoms develop during this early period, they're usually flu-like and may include:
* Fever (often 100-104°F)
* Fatigue or low energy
* Sore throat
* Swollen lymph nodes
* Headache
* Muscle and joint aches
* Rash
It's important to know that an estimated 10 to 60 percent of people with early HIV infection won't experience any symptoms at all. When symptoms do occur, they typically last from a few days to several weeks.
These early symptoms happen because your immune system is reacting to the virus. However, they're nonspecific, meaning they can also occur with many other conditions like the flu or other viral infections.
If you're concerned about potential HIV exposure, testing is the only way to know for sure, though there is a window period after infection when tests may not yet detect the virus.
March 22
Join
Your Privacy Choices
