Symptoms:

Note: At the time of diagnosis with HIV, many people have not experienced any symptoms.

Acute HIV infection can appear like infectious mononucleosis, flu, or other viral illnesses.

Any of the following symptoms can occur:

• Decreased appetite
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Headache
• Malaise
• Swollen lymph glands
• Muscle stiffness or aching
• Rash
• Sore throat
• Ulcers of the mouth and esophagus

These symptoms can last from a few days to 4 weeks, and then subside.

Signs and tests:

• Blood differential may show abnormalities.
• HIV ELISA/Western blot is usually negative or undetermined during the acute infection and will become positive over the next 3 months.
• HIV RNA viral load is positive in patients with acute HIV infection.
• Lower than normal CD4 count may indicate suppression of the immune system. The CD4 count usually improves 1 - 2 months after acute infection.
• P24 antigen blood test is often positive.