It is difficult to determine for certain whether or not a person is infected with HIV during the early stages of the disease since the signs and symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses, such as malaria, typhoid, and the flu.
According to Healthline, the first symptoms of infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) don't appear until two to four weeks after the initial infection.
There is a good chance that you will suffer many symptoms within the first two to four weeks following infection. Among these symptoms are joint discomfort, sore throat, swollen glands, ulcers on the mouth, fever, vomiting, skin rash, weariness, diarrhoea, dry cough, night sweats, swollen lymph nodes, and night sweats.
Some people may continue to feel the symptoms for several weeks, while others may not show any symptoms at all but are still able to spread the disease to other people. However, even those persons who do not show any symptoms are still able to transmit the disease.
Having either of these symptoms, however, does not necessarily indicate that a person has HIV; it is possible that they are suffering from a different condition instead. Visit a VCT for testing if you want to be absolutely certain.
HIV is a virus that suppresses the immune system and makes the body more susceptible to developing opportunistic infections. It is not curable, but it is possible to keep it under control with the use of medicines such as antiretroviral (ARV) drugs.