If you are concerned for any reason about contracting an HIV infection, it is important to get tested as soon as possible. While there are definitely signs and symptoms of HIV to look for, they may not always be evident. Because in the early stages of the disease, not all people will react the same way, it is important for you to take the initiative and see your doctor as soon as you suspect something may not be right. Early detection of the disease is one way to give yourself a better chance of getting the disease under control. Still, there are some indicators that can serve as a warning sign that you may have contracted the virus.

HIV Warning Signs:

Depending on the stage of the infection, your symptoms may vary in number and intensity. Initial signs can appear to mimic the flu, a respiratory, or gastrointestinal infection. This stage is called ARS (acute retroviral syndrome). You may experience headaches, a moderate fever, extreme fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash. In some people there may be muscle and joint pain, sore throat, ulcers in the mouth or on the genitalia.

The Timetable:

There is no set time limit for the signs and symptoms of HIV to appear. In most cases, however, the first signs will become evident within one or two months of being infected. There have been some cases where symptoms show up as early as two weeks after exposure and in other cases it could be months later. But there are also cases where no symptoms appear for years.

When Are You Contagious?

The fact that you are not showing any symptoms does not mean you're not contagious. According to health experts, in the early stages of the infection your bloodstream will have higher levels of HIV than at other times. This means it will even be easier to pass the virus on to others. Since not everyone shows signs and symptoms of HIV, it is important to get tested as soon as you know you've been exposed to the virus.

Other Factors To Consider:

Always keep in mind that while HIV is a virus it is not always the HIV that is causing your symptoms. As a matter of fact, the most severe ones usually are the result of secondary infections because the immune system has been compromised. Because HIV first attacks the immune system it opens the gateway for germs and other infections to invade the body with much less resistance. Even if you are showing no symptoms of the virus it does not mean that HIV is not launching an all out attack on the body. If you have it, you will show symptoms at some point.

It pays to be aware of the signs and symptoms of HIV but it pays even more to take the responsible step to get checked if you know you've been engaging in high-risk behavior. It will not only give you a chance to get a head of the virus and manage it better but it will protect anyone who has been involved in certain activities with you.