The first sign of HIV infection is usually a group of flu-like symptoms occurring within 2 to 4 weeks after exposure, known as acute retroviral syndrome or primary HIV infection. These early symptoms often include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Fatigue or tiredness
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Sore throat
- Rash (a red, flat, or bumpy skin rash, often on the trunk and face)
- Muscle and joint pain
- Night sweats
These symptoms resemble those of common viral infections like the flu and typically last for about one to two weeks before subsiding
. Fever is often one of the very first symptoms, caused by the immune system's response to the virus
. The rash, which appears in about 40% of newly infected people, is also a common early sign and usually emerges 2 to 6 weeks after infection
. Swollen lymph nodes and sore throat are other frequent signs during this acute phase
. It is important to note that not everyone infected with HIV will experience noticeable early symptoms, and these flu-like symptoms can easily be mistaken for other illnesses. Therefore, the only way to confirm HIV infection is through testing
. In summary, the usual first sign of HIV is a flu-like illness with fever, rash, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, and fatigue occurring within weeks after infection
