From the Guidelines
The first symptoms of HIV typically appear 2-4 weeks after infection, with 50%-90% of patients experiencing at least some symptoms of the acute retroviral syndrome, as indicated by various studies 1. These initial symptoms often resemble the flu and may include:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Sore throat
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Headache
- Muscle and joint pain
- Night sweats
- A non-itchy red rash Some people may also experience mouth ulcers, genital ulcers, or neurological symptoms like meningitis. These symptoms usually last for 1-2 weeks but can persist for up to 4 weeks. Not everyone experiences these symptoms, but early detection is crucial, so anyone who experiences these symptoms after a potential HIV exposure should seek testing, as early treatment significantly improves long-term health outcomes and reduces transmission risk, although there is currently limited evidence for a long-term clinical benefit of antiretroviral treatment of primary HIV infection 1. Physicians should maintain a high level of suspicion for HIV infection in all patients with a compatible clinical syndrome and should obtain appropriate laboratory confirmation. It is essential to note that acute primary infection may occur without symptoms, making it challenging to diagnose in the primary-care setting due to the similarity of the symptom complex with those of the "flu" or other common illnesses.
From the Research
First Symptoms of HIV
The provided studies do not directly address the first symptoms of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection. However, we can discuss the general symptoms associated with HIV infection.
- The first symptoms of HIV can appear within 2-4 weeks after infection and may include:
- Flu-like symptoms
- Fever
- Chills
- Rash
- Sore throat
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Muscle and joint pain
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss
Antiretroviral Therapy (ART)
The studies provided focus on the efficacy and safety of different antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens for the treatment of HIV infection 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- ART is a critical component of HIV management, and the choice of regimen can significantly impact treatment outcomes.
- The studies compare the efficacy and safety of different ART regimens, including combinations of emtricitabine, tenofovir, and other antiretroviral agents.
Treatment Outcomes
The studies report various treatment outcomes, including:
- Viral suppression: The proportion of participants achieving viral suppression, defined as an HIV-1 RNA concentration of less than 50 copies per mL 4, 6.
- CD4 count increases: The median increase in CD4 count from baseline to week 48 or 96 3, 5.
- Adverse events: The occurrence of adverse events, including grade 3 or higher adverse events 4, 6.
Limitations
The provided studies do not directly address the first symptoms of HIV infection. Therefore, the information on symptoms is based on general knowledge and not supported by the specific studies cited 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.