Early symptoms of HIV infection often resemble the flu and can be managed more easily if recognized and treated promptly. Unfortunately, even without obvious symptoms, a person infected with HIV can still spread the virus to others. This is why understanding possible warning signs matters, along with getting tested if you are at higher risk.

HIV Symptoms

Many HIV symptoms are similar in men and women. Even so, some features are more specific to women. According to Healthline, these include the points below.

Early Flu-Like Symptoms

During the first few weeks after infection, people may not realize they have symptoms because they resemble a mild flu, such as:

• Fever

• Headache

• Fatigue

• Swollen lymph nodes

• Skin rash

These usually improve within a few weeks, so they are easy to overlook.

HIV-Related Rash

People living with HIV commonly develop rashes that can look different depending on other conditions or coinfections. The rash may appear as sores or lesions on the skin, in the mouth, or in the genital or anal area.

Swollen Lymph Nodes

Lymph nodes are found throughout the body. There are lymph nodes in the neck, the back of the head, the armpits, and the groin. As part of the immune system, they help in fighting infections, store immune cells, and filter harmful germs in the body.

As HIV infection spreads in the body, the immune system becomes highly active, which can cause swollen lymph nodes that last for months.

Infections

When the immune system is strained while fighting a virus, the risk of other infections rises. These illnesses can affect many body systems, for example pneumonia, tuberculosis, and candidiasis.

Fever and Night Sweats

People with HIV infection may develop a subfebrile fever with temperature around 37.7 to 38.2 degrees Celsius. Fever signals an infection in the body and should not be ignored.

Changes in the Menstrual Cycle

HIV can alter menstrual patterns. Bleeding may be lighter or heavier than usual, and PMS symptoms often feel more intense.

Worsening Symptoms of Sexually Transmitted Infection

If you have a sexually transmitted infection, symptoms can be more severe when HIV is also present.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

HIV infection can make PID symptoms more intense, last longer, fluctuate over time, and become harder to treat.

Preventing HIV Infection

Womenshealth.gov recommends the following steps to lower the risk of infection:

• Use condoms during vaginal, oral, and anal sex

• Stick with one mutually monogamous partner

• Limit the number of sexual partners

• Get vaccinated for HPV and hepatitis B to prevent infections related to HIV complications

• Do not wash the vagina with soap or chemicals that disrupt its natural flora

• Avoid misusing alcohol or illegal drugs

Get tested promptly with your partner if either of you is at high risk or notices early warning signs. Early testing supports timely care and treatment of HIV and AIDS.

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