What Are the Early Symptoms of HIV?
Early symptoms of HIV include flu-like illnesses such as fever, chills, rash, night sweats, and more. These symptoms may or may not manifest, depending on the health condition of the infected, and usually last from a few days to several weeks if they do. Some symptoms can also be gender-specific.
Wonder what are the early symptoms of HIV? Know how you can best protect yourself from contracting HIV? This Pacific Prime Thailand article will walk you through the general and gender-specific early symptoms of HIV, test and diagnosis methods, and recommended prevention practices against HIV.
Early Symptoms of HIV
Early Symptoms of HIV are triggered by acute HIV infection, also known as stage 1, and typically manifests within 2 to 4 weeks after infection with HIV. About two-thirds of people will develop flu-like symptoms as the body’s natural response to HIV infection, which include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Rash
- Night sweats
- Muscle Aches
- Sore throat
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Mouth Ulcers
Note: Some people do not have any symptoms at all during this early stage of HIV. Don’t assume you don’t have HIV even if you experienced none of these items. Similarly, don’t assume you have HIV just because you have any of these symptoms.
Male-Specific Early HIV Symptoms
These male-specific early HIV symptoms are not exclusively HIV-related and can be other signs of other conditions. Either way, it would be wise to get medical attention asap if you have experienced any of the following.
Hypogonadism
Hypogonadism (low testosterone) refers to a condition where the male’s testicles don’t make enough of the sex hormone testosterone. It can cause:
- Reduced Libido (Low sex drive)
- Erectile dysfunction
- Depression (Low mood)
- Fatigue
- Infertility
- Smaller testicles
- Breast tissue growth
- More body fat and less muscle mass
- Less hair growth on the body, including underarms, pubic area, and face
Genital Ulcer
Genital Ulcer is a common sign of HIV for males, associated with painful open sores that heal but keep coming back on the genitalia, including the penis, scrotum, or anus and their surrounding areas.
Symptoms may include:
- Pain
- Itching
- Discomfort
- Swelling
- Discharge
Sense of Pain or Burning While Peeing
There are two possible conditions responsible for pain while peeing: a urinary tract infection or prostatitis. The sense of pain or burning could indicate either of the conditions, with the former signaling bacterial infection of the urinary tract, while the latter signals bacterial infection of the prostate gland.
Having HIV increases the odds of getting these conditions. Prostatitis, in particular, can cause a series of symptoms other than pain while peeing including:
- Pain during ejaculation
- Peeing more often than usual
- Cloudy or bloody pee
- Pain in your bladder, testicles, penis, or the area between the scrotum and rectum
- Lower back, belly, or groin pain
Female-Specific Early HIV Symptoms
Early Menopause
Menopause refers to the stage of life where women stop having a menstrual period for at least 12 months. One usually enters this stage in their late 40s and early 50s, and people with HIV are likely to enter this stage earlier than that.
You may notice the onset of hot flashes during perimenopause. Hot flashes cause sudden heat in the upper part or all of your body, along with sweating and a rapid heartbeat, and last up to 10 minutes. Women with HIV experience more severe and frequent hot flashes.
Menstrual Cycle Changes
Menstrual cycle changes are also visible. One might sometimes miss their periods and have lighter or heavier bleeding than before having HIV.
They are also more vulnerable to premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms than others, resulting in:
- Backache
- Bloating or a gassy feeling
- Swollen or tender breast
- Constipation
- Cramps
- Changes in appetite
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Irritability
- Sleeping too little or too much
Bone Loss
Women with HIV are far more likely to experience faster bone loss than others without HIV. This is observable in women as they tend to lose bone faster than men due to hormonal changes after menopause.
HIV for Transgender
HIV remains a significant health concern within the transgender community, particularly affecting transgender women as various social, economic, and healthcare access factors contribute to increased vulnerability.
Comprehensive care requires addressing both HIV management and gender-affirming treatments, as there can be important interactions between HIV medications and hormone therapy.
Research has found that transgender women may develop more severe bone loss and have a higher risk of heart disease than others with HIV. Healthcare providers need to consider bone health, cardiovascular monitoring, and regular screening while ensuring treatment plans respect gender identity.
Many transgender individuals face unique challenges in accessing appropriate healthcare, including discrimination such as being called by the incorrect name or pronouns or lack of knowledgeable providers.
Success in HIV management typically involves finding healthcare providers experienced in transgender health, maintaining medication adherence, and establishing strong support networks.
Best Possible Prevention of HIV
From getting preventive medications immediately to practicing safe sex, one can effectively minimize the risk of HIV infection.
Get Medication Immediately
Get medical attention immediately if you think you could have been exposed to the virus in the past few days. Medications called post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) can keep you from getting HIV if you take them within 72 hours.
Avoid Risky Activities
- Unprotected intimate contact with individuals who have unknown health status or untreated conditions
- Sharing injection equipment
- Being part of communities that may face elevated health risks due to social and structural factors
- Engaging in high-risk occupational activities
Practice Safe Sex
Key protective measures include using appropriate barriers, getting tested regularly, and maintaining proper hygiene practices. Protection is important for all forms of intimate contact.
- Use appropriate barrier protection (condoms, internal condoms, dental dams, latex or nitrile gloves) for all types of contact
- Maintain regular health screenings
- Practice good hygiene before and after intimate activities, including any tools or support that you have used such as sex toys
- Clean and protect any shared items properly
Early Diagnosis Upon Suspicion of Early HIV Symptoms
If you experience early HIV symptoms and have had potential exposure, seek medical care promptly. Early testing options include:
- Nucleic Acid Tests (NAT): These look for the presence of HIV’s genetic material in the blood, allowing detection of infection as early as 10-33 days after exposure.
- Antigen/Antibody Tests: These detect HIV antibodies and antigens, or viral components, in the blood. Antigen/antibody tests cannot detect HIV at an early stage as they can only detect infection 18-45 days after exposure.
HIV infections have better medical outcomes if diagnosed early, in which faster access to treatment is made possible. Individuals living with HIV can lead healthy, fulfilling lives, especially with early diagnosis and consistent antiretroviral therapy (ART).
Regular medical check-ups are crucial to monitor viral load and immune function. Maintaining an undetectable viral load significantly reduces the risk of transmitting the virus to sexual partners, a concept known as “U=U” (Undetectable = Untransmittable).
Considerations for People with HIV
People with HIV should consider various aspects encompassing medical, psychological, and social factors—including pregnancy medical and ethical considerations, mental health support, and lifestyle preferences.
Pregnancy Considerations for People with HIV
Women living with HIV can have healthy pregnancies and deliver babies without HIV transmission through proper medical care and precautions. Early prenatal care is crucial, and HIV medications (antiretroviral therapy) should be taken consistently throughout pregnancy to reduce viral load to undetectable levels.
The risk of transmitting HIV to the baby can be reduced to less than 1% through proper medical intervention, including antiretroviral treatment during pregnancy, scheduled cesarean delivery when appropriate, and avoiding breastfeeding in regions where safe alternatives are available.
After delivery, both mother and infant receive continued HIV care and testing. Specialized support helps navigate healthcare decisions, medication management, and emotional concerns during pregnancy. Planning ahead with healthcare providers helps ensure the best outcomes for both parent and child.
Mental Health Support
The emotional impact of an HIV diagnosis can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, or isolation. Access to mental health services, including counseling and support groups, is crucial for helping individuals cope with these challenges.
Lifestyle and Nutrition
A balanced diet rich in nutrients can boost the immune system, while regular physical activity contributes to overall health and mental well-being. Avoiding harmful behaviors, such as smoking or excessive alcohol consumption, as these can interfere with HIV medications and worsen health outcomes.
Early Intervention is Key
Although HIV is non-curable, it is very treatable and people with HIV can live a normal life with early intervention such as proper access to medication that suppresses viral load, along with adjustments to lifestyle, access to specialist care, and mental health support.
That said, living with HIV is indeed a challenging and expensive process. It is wise for everyone to secure health insurance early not only for long-lasting diseases like HIV but also to access healthcare services whenever necessary.
Please note that most insurers won’t accept applications with HIV as a pre-existing condition, but one can get coverage by securing health insurance before being diagnosed with the virus.
Secure Health Insurance Early For Peace of Mind
Insurers offer various levels of health insurance plans, and we understand that it can be daunting to navigate all the plans and insurance jargon. This is why you may consider working with a reputed insurance broker like Pacific Prime.
We have over 20 years of experience helping individuals from all over the world find comprehensive and affordable health insurance that fits their needs and budget, and provide claims support services throughout their insurance journey with us.
Contact our team of expert advisors today, or get an instant quote!
If you find this information useful, be sure to check out our articles about HIV Insurance in Thailand, PrEP in Thailand: Cost and Where to Buy It and Where to Get STD Testing: STD Clinics in Bangkok and Costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common early symptoms of HIV?
Many people experience flu-like symptoms within 2 to 4 weeks after infection. Common early symptoms include fever, fatigue, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches, and rash.
How long do early symptoms of HIV last?
Early symptoms typically last for a few days to a couple of weeks. After this initial acute phase, many individuals may not experience symptoms for several years, which is why regular testing is important.
Can early symptoms of HIV be mistaken for other illnesses?
Yes, the early symptoms of HIV can resemble those of other viral infections, such as the flu or common cold. This can make it challenging to identify HIV without specific testing.
Since joining Pacific Prime, Eric was exposed to a new world of insurance. Having learned about insurance products extensively, he has taken joy and satisfaction in helping individuals and businesses manage risks and protect themselves against financial loss through the power of words.
Although born and raised in Hong Kong, he spent a quarter of his life living and studying in the UK. He believes his multicultural experience is a great asset in understanding the needs and wants of expats and globe-trotters.
Eric’s strengths lie in his strong research, analytical, and communication skills, obtained through his BA in Linguistics from the University of York and MSc in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from the University of Bristol.
Outside of work, he enjoys some me-time gaming and reading on his own, occasionally going absolutely mental on a night out with friends.
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