caret icon Back to all discussions

Which initial symptoms of HIV did you experience?

Which initial symptoms of HIV did you experience?

  1. Depending on progression, HIV can present with symptoms early on, followed by no symptoms for years after.

    I’ve heard some in the HIV community share not experiencing any symptoms early on, so it will be interesting to hear what others have experienced.

    Some early symptoms could include: fever, headaches, fatigue, sore throat, rash, nausea, diarrhea, and more.

    - Jake, Team

    1. Alafia (Peace) I personally didn't experience any symptoms when I sero converted. What was true for me is I contracted a sexually transmitted infection (STI), specifically syphilis. This was in 1989. What we know now that HIV can travel alongside other STI

      1. Great point, Khafre. We now know that having an STI can increase the risk of HIV transmission by three times. This article has some information on the relationship between STI's and HIV for anyone wondering why this might happen,

        I also saw another one of your posts about the importance of testing, and this is an excellent reminder about that, too. Knowing your HIV status, as well as testing for other STI's, can be helpful. As you pointed out in your other comment, we don't always know the full sexual history of our current and former sexual partners. A great reminder to our community! Thank you!

        Best, Casey ( Team)

    2. I didn't experience any symtoms at all but because one person doesn't experience symtoms doesn't mean someone else won't.

      1. Alafia (Peace) Casey, Thank you so much for reaching out to me. Many of the issues regarding STI's is not common knowledge. I am sure we withif a person presents with an STI they are asked if they would like to be treated for HIV. I am sure it's happening but in my experience not all the time.

        Regarding testing, it's been my experience that when people meet and then begin a relationship we don't ask if our new partner has ever been tested for HIV. Many don't feel comfortable, as well as, don't necessarily have the language to nogotiate prevention tools.

        or create an account to reply.