In the early (acute) stage of HIV infection, your immune system is fighting the virus. This fight can lead to a wide range of symptoms.
These symptoms can involve the gastrointestinal tract, the central nervous system or other organs such as the eyes, lungs and kidneys. Fatigue is often a symptom.
Flu-like Symptoms
Many people experience flu-like symptoms, sometimes called a seroconversion illness, shortly after they get infected with HIV. These early symptoms are so similar to those of a common cold or flu that they may not be recognised as being anything serious.
Fever, chills, body aches, fatigue and a sore throat are common symptoms of influenza or the common cold, but they can also be an early sign of HIV infection. This is because the virus triggers the body to fight it, which leads to the flu-like symptoms.
Oral problems like thrush are another common early symptom of HIV. This is because HIV reduces the immune system’s ability to fight germs. It’s important to see a doctor and get tested for HIV if you have these symptoms, as treatment can help stop the infection from progressing to AIDS. A rash can also be an early symptom of HIV, but it’s usually not a strong enough sign to prompt a visit to the doctor.
Mouth Ulcers
People with HIV have reduced immune systems, and that can leave the mouth vulnerable to a variety of conditions. Some of these conditions are less common than others, but all can cause discomfort or pain. Canker sores (sores that appear in the lining of the mouth) are common in those with HIV. These sores are often painful and may bleed. They’re most often found on the lips, inside the cheeks, or the tongue. Gum disease is another oral condition that may occur with HIV. This is often painful and can cause swelling of the gums. HPV (human papillomavirus), which causes warts, can also occur in the mouth.
Unlike cold sores, mouth ulcers are not contagious and cannot be spread through kissing or sharing food. However, these sores can interfere with taking medications and eating. Mouth sores may also be a sign of AIDS, when HIV has caused major damage to the immune system and leads to opportunistic infections and diseases.
Skin Rashes
During the first phase of HIV infection, called seroconversion, many people experience a rash. The rash is often itchy, has lots of tiny red bumps and affects the upper body. This rash may last for one to two weeks.
Rashes can also occur as the disease progresses. These rashes are caused by the virus itself, opportunistic infections and reactions to medications.
For example, a person who has HIV may have a rash called seborrheic dermatitis, which causes itchy flaking on oily areas of the skin. Another type of rash, shingles, results from the varicella-zoster virus. This rash is itchy and has fluid-filled blisters that eventually scab over.
A rash is sometimes a sign of Stevens-Johnson syndrome, a serious hypersensitivity reaction to some HIV medicines. This can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. A rash is also a common symptom of oral candidiasis (thrush). This infection can be managed with antifungal medications or mouth rinses.
Diarrhea
It’s not always the first sign of HIV, but diarrhea can be an early symptom when your immune system is weak. Diarrhea may be accompanied by other symptoms like fever, fatigue and sore throat.
Some people with HIV develop a disease called AIDS after their CD4 T cells drop below 200. AIDS causes problems in many parts of the body and can lead to severe infections, cancer and other health problems.
AIDS can also cause mental changes, including confusion and forgetfulness (HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders). It can affect the eyes, lungs, kidneys and genitals. It can cause pain in the rectal area (proctitis) and a feeling that you need to defecate even when your bowel is empty.
Getting infected with HIV usually happens through unprotected, anal or vaginal sex. It can also happen if you inject drugs and use contaminated needles. It can also pass to your baby during pregnancy or delivery and through breastfeeding. It can also be spread through blood transfusions, though hospitals and blood banks screen donated blood for HIV.