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What symptoms might someone experience during the first week of HIV infection?

During the first week after HIV infection, many people may not notice any symptoms at all. When symptoms do appear, they typically start within two to four weeks of infection, though they can occasionally begin earlier.

It's important to know 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 notice any symptoms at all. When symptoms do appear, they typically start within two to four weeks of infection, though they can occasionally begin earlier.

It's important to know that approximately 10 percent to 60 percent of people with early HIV don't experience any symptoms during this initial period.

When symptoms do occur in the first few weeks, they're often flu-like and may include:

* Fever (often 100.4°F to 104°F)
* Fatigue or low energy
* Muscle aches and joint pain
* Swollen lymph nodes
* Headache
* Sore throat
* Rash

These symptoms result from your immune system's initial reaction to the virus. They can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks.

Because these symptoms are similar to many other common illnesses, they're easy to miss or attribute to something else. If you think you may have been exposed to HIV, it's important to get tested, even if you don't have symptoms or if an initial test is negative, since there's a window period when the virus may not yet be detectable.

 AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

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