First Signs & Symtoms You’ll Notice When You’re Infected With HIV

The human immunodeficiency virus, more commonly referred to as HIV, is a disease that can be passed between people through sexual contact or through contact with specific bodily fluids, such as blood or genital secretions. In addition, HIV can be given from a mother to her child while she is pregnant, while she is giving birth, or while she is breastfeeding.

If HIV infection is not treated, the immune cells of the body will be attacked and damaged, which will result in a weakened immune system and may eventually lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). It is critical that you get tested for HIV in order to protect your health since AIDS can be a condition that puts your life in danger, particularly if treatment is delayed for even a short period of time. There is an earlier stage of HIV infection that a person goes through before they develop AIDS.

The first symptoms of HIV infection can show up anywhere from two to four weeks after infection and can persist anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. This early stage of the viral infection is referred to as an acute HIV infection since the symptoms are severe.

When you become infected with HIV, the following symptoms will likely be the first ones you observe within your body, as stated by Healthline.

1. Rash on the skin that is not normal.

HIV infection almost always manifests itself initially as a rash on the skin. HIV has been linked to the development of rashes that can be itchy, red, and painful. Rashes on the skin can sometimes appear as pink outbreaks that are itchy and have the appearance of boils. The HIV rash can occasionally manifest as a patch of skin that is red and flat, with a few tiny bumps scattered throughout its surface.

2. Perspiring at night

If you have recently participated in an activity that puts you at risk for this sickness and you are having difficulties sleeping at night because you are sweating too much, this could be a sign that something is wrong and you should get medical attention. Uncontrollable sweats that can soak your clothes and sheets can occur in an HIV-positive person without any exercise. As a consequence of this, you might have a hard time going to sleep at night. This particular type of sweating is almost always accompanied by a fever.

3. Excessive Fatigue.

An individual infected with HIV struggles with chronic fatigue and a general lack of vitality. Even after a restful night’s sleep, they do not feel refreshed. Most often, night sweats prevent them from getting a good night’s sleep, which is another contributing cause. This might happen continuously and without any effort on your part. However, most people tend to dismiss this crucial early indication of HIV.

4. Swollen lymph nodes.

Another early sign of HIV infection is swollen lymph nodes. The immune system in your body is largely composed of lymph nodes. They shield your body from bacteria and viruses. When your body contracts an infection, these nodes expand and swell. Muscle and joint pain could also be present. Your neck, groyne, and armpits all contain these nodes.