Acute HIV Infection Symptoms: What You Need to Know

Q: Acute HIV Infection Symptoms: What You Need to Know

Dear readers,<br>Regarding the above, here is the response：<br>A： According to data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there are three main routes of HIV transmission： <br>1. <br>Sexual transmission： Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bo

Symptoms of acute HIV infection?

Hello Doctor, here is the sequence of events and my questions: I understand that symptoms alone cannot be used to speculate whether one has contracted HIV.
It has not yet been 12 weeks since the exposure, but I feel quite uneasy, so I hope to alleviate some of my psychological stress by inquiring online.
Prior to March 21, my HIV test was negative (I have been regularly tested in the past, so I am very confident that I am not infected).
On March 21, I had sexual intercourse with a woman, during which vaginal intercourse was performed with a condom.
However, during oral sex, the condom was not used, and I also performed oral sex on her, during which my mouth came into contact with her vaginal secretions.
About a week after the sexual encounter, around March 28, I began to notice red spots on my skin.
The spots appeared red, were flat (not raised or indented), did not itch or hurt, and were no larger than 0.5 cm in diameter.
They were primarily located on the inner sides of both arms, but I also noticed them on my chest and legs, with no appearance on my palms or soles.
The number of spots that appeared at the same time usually did not exceed 10, and often was lower.
They would disappear within one to two days without leaving any traces.
Starting on April 12, I began experiencing symptoms similar to diarrhea (watery stools, not exceeding four times a day).
From April 15, my ear temperature started to rise, beginning at 36 degrees Celsius in the morning and gradually climbing to a maximum of around 37.5 degrees Celsius, plus or minus 1-2 degrees.
This temperature pattern would typically peak around noon, sometimes dropping in the evening or returning to normal the next morning.
Additionally, when my ear temperature peaked, my axillary temperature measured with an electronic thermometer remained within the normal range, showing no signs of elevation.
(All temperature measurements were taken using an infrared ear thermometer).
On the morning of April 22, I woke up with a sore throat, which resolved the next day, transitioning to nasal congestion and runny nose.
The diarrhea-like symptoms ceased on April 24.
By April 25, the elevated ear temperature symptoms had disappeared.
On April 25, I visited an ENT specialist regarding the symptoms from April 22 and was diagnosed with upper respiratory tract and tracheitis.
On May 3, I experienced a sensation of heaviness in my body that lasted for 2 to 3 days.
As of May 31, I have no other symptoms, but I continue to have red spots on my skin.

Wa, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/05/31

Dr. Liao Zhongxin reply Internal Medicine

Dear readers,
Regarding the above, here is the response:
A: According to data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there are three main routes of HIV transmission:
1.
Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual carries the risk of infection.

2.
Blood transmission:
(1) Receiving or coming into contact with blood or blood products contaminated with HIV.

(2) Sharing needles, syringes, or diluents with intravenous drug users who are HIV-positive.

(3) Receiving an organ transplant from an HIV-infected donor.

3.
Vertical transmission from mother to child: Infants can acquire HIV from their infected mothers during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
B: Latency period: There are two interpretations of the latency period following HIV infection.

1.
It refers to the primary infection symptoms resembling flu that may appear approximately 2-6 weeks after infection.

2.
It refers to the period from HIV infection to the appearance of clinical symptoms, which typically lasts 5-10 years (currently referred to as the asymptomatic phase or subclinical phase).
However, as mentioned earlier, the progression of HIV infection can vary significantly.
During the window period or latency period, many patients may be asymptomatic, potentially continuing high-risk behaviors, thus creating gaps in HIV prevention efforts.
C: Window period: After HIV infection, there is a period during which the body has not yet produced antibodies to the virus, leading to a negative test result despite the presence of the virus.
This is known as the window period.
Generally, the window period is about 6-12 weeks after HIV infection, although there have been sporadic reports of window periods lasting up to 12 months.
With advancements in testing methods, the window period can now be shortened to 1-2 weeks.
During this time, the viral load in the patient's body is at its highest, making them highly infectious.
Many patients may be asymptomatic or exhibit nonspecific symptoms that can be overlooked or misdiagnosed as a common cold, leading them to continue engaging in high-risk behaviors and potentially transmitting the virus to others.
The ongoing prevalence of HIV may be partly attributed to this issue.

Based on the above information, you should consult with a nearby healthcare facility for testing, and it is recommended to undergo retesting three months later to rule out the possibility of infection.
Thank you!

Reply Date: 2017/05/31

More Info

Understanding acute HIV infection symptoms is crucial for early detection and management of the virus. Acute HIV infection, also known as primary HIV infection, typically occurs within 2 to 4 weeks after exposure to the virus. During this period, individuals may experience a range of symptoms that can resemble those of other viral infections, making it challenging to identify without proper testing.

Common symptoms of acute HIV infection include fever, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, rash, muscle and joint pain, headache, and diarrhea. The fever associated with acute HIV infection can last from a few days to several weeks, often fluctuating in intensity. It's important to note that not everyone will exhibit all these symptoms, and some may experience mild or no symptoms at all.

In your case, you mentioned experiencing skin rashes, elevated temperature, and gastrointestinal symptoms following a potential exposure to HIV. The red spots on your skin that are flat, non-itchy, and transient can be indicative of various conditions, including viral infections, but they are not specific to HIV. The gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea, can also occur with many viral infections and are not exclusive to HIV.

Given that you had a potential exposure to HIV and are experiencing these symptoms, it is advisable to get tested for HIV. Testing is the only way to confirm whether or not you are infected. The window period for HIV testing can vary; while many tests can detect HIV antibodies within 2 to 6 weeks after exposure, some advanced tests can detect the virus earlier. It is recommended to get tested at least 2 weeks after potential exposure and again at 3 months to ensure accurate results.

Regarding your concerns about the psychological impact of potential HIV infection, it is common to experience anxiety and stress in such situations. This anxiety can sometimes exacerbate physical symptoms or lead to a heightened perception of bodily sensations. It is essential to address these feelings, as they can affect your overall well-being. Seeking support from healthcare professionals or mental health counselors can be beneficial in managing anxiety related to health concerns.

In conclusion, while your symptoms may be concerning, they are not definitive indicators of HIV infection. The best course of action is to seek testing and consult with a healthcare provider who can guide you through the process and provide support for any psychological distress you may be experiencing. Early detection and treatment of HIV can significantly improve health outcomes, so taking proactive steps is crucial.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Acute HIV Symptoms: What You Need to Know

Hello Doctor, two weeks ago I had high-risk sexual behavior. A few days ago, I suddenly experienced body aches, chills, sore throat, and fever. The next day, I went to see an ENT specialist, who noted three ulcerations in my throat and a small ulcer on my lip. The doctor diagnose...

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: The symptoms of HIV or syphilis can vary widely, making it difficult to diagnose based solely on symptoms. However, both can be confirmed through blood tests. If the initial test result is negative, it is advisable to retest after three months to rule out any window period...

Concerns About Early HIV Infection Symptoms: What to Do Next

Hello Doctor: After having sexual relations with a sex worker on June 12 (with a condom throughout), I developed a fever (low-grade fever that has persisted until now), dizziness, and muscle aches (first in my shoulders, then in both legs) on July 8 (about three weeks after the s...

Dr. Liao Zhongxin reply Internal Medicine
Dear readers: 1. You can consult and undergo related examinations at nearby medical facilities that offer anonymous screening. 2. The anonymous screening list is attached.

Understanding Acute HIV Infection: Symptoms and Diagnosis

Hello Doctor, I started feeling unwell around August 29, experiencing fever and fatigue. On August 30, I had blood tests showing a CRP of 7.490 (all other biochemical parameters were normal), WBC of 12,870, Neutrophils 70.8%, Lymphocytes 19.9%, and Monocytes 8.3%. On September 1,...

Dr. Liao Zhongxin reply Internal Medicine
Dear readers: According to the Centers for Disease Control website (http://www.cdc.gov.tw), there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual ...

Understanding HIV Symptoms and Testing: What You Need to Know

1. Ten days ago, I had unprotected sexual intercourse, and three days after the encounter, I developed a fever of 38.5 degrees Celsius. After seeing a doctor and receiving an injection, my fever subsided, but I continued to experience diarrhea for the following week (without feve...

Dr. Liao Zhongxin reply Internal Medicine
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) data, the transmission routes of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are as follows: 1. Sexual Transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse with an HIV-infected individual or exchanging other bodily fluids...