Sometimes early symptoms of HIV infection will appear very soon after being exposed to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). These can become apparent in as soon as two to four weeks. Other times there may be no early symptoms.
The Early Signs of HIV
Some people will begin to develop flu like symptoms within a few weeks of exposure. This is commonly referred to as acute retroviral syndrome or primary HIV.
These earliest symptoms include fatigue, rash, swollen lymph glands, headache and fever. They usually resolve themselves after a few weeks, much like the flu does. These symptoms can be mistaken for other illnesses because the symptoms can be attributed to multiple different diagnoses.
If You Think You Have Been Exposed to HIV or Exhibit Early Signs of HIV
Because the early signs of HIV infection are very common to other illnesses and viruses, it is essential that if you think you may have been exposed that you get tested.
If you are not exhibiting signs, but have had unprotected sex and do not know the HIV status of your partner you may want to be tested. There is no cure for AIDS and no vaccine to prevent you from acquiring the infection. You can protect yourself by always having protected sex.
Do not have sex with anyone until you know whether or not you have been infected with HIV. You will be putting every partner you have and every partner they have at risk of contracting the virus. During the early stages of the infection you are extremely contagious.
You Should Be Tested If You Exhibit Early Signs of HIV
HIV infection can be diagnosed by testing blood or oral mucus for antibodies to the virus. The problem is that these tests are not always immediately accurate. These tests are looking for the presence of antibodies to the infection and this takes time for your body’s immune system to produce. It can take up to 3 to 6 months after contracting the virus before you will get a positive result from an HIV antibody test.
There are tests which test specifically for the human immunodeficiency virus. These tests can show an accurate result sooner than those waiting for the presence of antibodies to form.
While waiting for accurate test results you should refrain from having any form of sex to prevent the potential spread of the virus.
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