HIV symptoms can vary from person to person and depend on the stage of the disease. Some people may not have any symptoms at all during the early stage of HIV, while others may experience flu-like symptoms within 2 to 4 weeks after infection. Here are some of the early signs of HIV:
- Fever
- Chills
- Rash
- Night sweats
- Muscle aches
- Sore throat
- Fatigue
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Mouth ulcers
- Headache
- Aching muscles
- Red rash that doesnt itch, usually on your torso
- Ulcers (sores) in your mouth, esophagus, anus, or genitals
These symptoms can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. However, these symptoms can be similar to those caused by other illnesses, so its important not to assume that you have HIV just because you have any of these symptoms. If you think you may have been exposed to HIV, get an HIV test.
Its important to note that not everyone with HIV will experience symptoms during the early stage of the disease. Additionally, some people may not experience any symptoms until the disease has progressed to a more advanced stage. Therefore, the only way to know for sure if you have HIV is to get tested, especially if you think you may have been exposed to the virus.