Symptoms of HIV
How to Know If You Have HIV: Symptoms, Testing, and Next Steps
Why HIV Testing Is the Only Way to Know
Many people wonder: How can you tell if you have HIV? The answer is simple but critical—the only way to know for sure is to get tested. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) cannot be diagnosed based on symptoms alone. Some people have no symptoms at all, while others may show signs that resemble other common illnesses.
Getting tested empowers you to take control of your health. Whether your result is positive or negative, testing opens the door to life-saving treatment or prevention options.
Benefits of Knowing Your HIV Status
Knowing your status allows you to:
- Start treatment early if you test positive
- Protect your partner(s) by reducing the risk of transmission
- Access prevention tools like PrEP or PEP if you test negative
- Ensure a healthy pregnancy and delivery if you’re expecting
What to Do If You Think You’re at Risk for HIV
If you suspect you’ve been exposed to HIV through sex, needle sharing, or another method, don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Take action immediately.
Step 1: Get an HIV Test
You can get tested at:
- Your primary care doctor
- Health clinics or community health centers
- Local health departments
- Pharmacies (for self-testing kits)
- Online (FDA-approved HIV home test kits)
Use the HIV Services Locator to find a testing site near you.
Step 2: Ask About Recent Exposure
If you believe your exposure happened within the past few weeks, inform your healthcare provider. Most standard HIV tests detect antibodies, which can take time to develop. You may need a test that detects HIV RNA or antigens, which identify the virus earlier.
Step 3: Follow Up on Results
- If you test positive, see a healthcare provider as soon as possible to begin antiretroviral therapy (ART). Early treatment helps you stay healthy and prevents transmission to others.
- If you test negative, talk to your provider about prevention tools like Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) or Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP).
HIV Self-Testing Options
Self-testing is a confidential and convenient option. You can:
- Buy a self-test kit at a pharmacy or online
- Ask your doctor to order one for you
- Check if your local health department offers free or discounted self-test kits
Self-testing gives you results within 20–40 minutes and can be done at home or another private location.
HIV Symptoms by Stage of Infection
Stage 1: Acute HIV Infection
This is the earliest stage, usually 2–4 weeks after exposure. During this period, the virus multiplies rapidly, and some people develop flu-like symptoms as the immune system reacts.
Common Symptoms During Acute HIV Infection
- Fever
- Chills
- Night sweats
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Rash
- Sore throat
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Mouth ulcers
These symptoms can last a few days to several weeks and are often mistaken for a common cold or flu. Some people experience no symptoms at all in this stage.
Stage 2: Chronic HIV Infection (Asymptomatic or Latent Stage)
In this stage, HIV is still active but reproduces at very low levels. Many people feel completely healthy and show no symptoms.
Without treatment, this stage can last up to 10 years or more, but the virus is still damaging the immune system.
Regular testing is vital, especially for those with ongoing risk factors, because you can transmit HIV even if you feel fine.
Stage 3: AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome)
If left untreated, HIV can advance to AIDS, the most severe phase of infection. The immune system becomes so weak that the body can no longer fight off common infections and diseases.
Symptoms of AIDS May Include:
- Rapid weight loss
- Extreme fatigue
- Frequent infections
- Chronic diarrhea
- Pneumonia
- Skin rashes or dark-colored lesions
- Memory loss or neurological issues
People with AIDS are at risk of opportunistic infections, such as tuberculosis, certain cancers, and fungal infections, which are life-threatening without medical care.
What If You’re Pregnant?
Importance of HIV Testing During Pregnancy
Pregnant women should be tested for HIV early in their pregnancy. If you are HIV-positive, starting HIV treatment immediately and continuing it throughout pregnancy can protect your baby from infection.
Reducing the Risk of Mother-to-Child Transmission
When proper treatment is followed, and the baby receives HIV medicine for 4–6 weeks after birth, the risk of HIV transmission can be reduced to less than 1%.
Treating HIV during pregnancy not only protects the child but also supports the long-term health of the mother.
Prevention Tools If You Test Negative
PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)
PrEP is a once-daily pill or long-acting injection that helps prevent HIV infection. It is recommended for people who are:
- At high risk for HIV due to sexual activity
- In a relationship with someone who is HIV-positive
- Sharing needles or drug equipment
PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis)
PEP is taken within 72 hours of possible HIV exposure to stop the virus from establishing infection. It is a short-term, emergency treatment taken for 28 days.
When to Get Tested for HIV
Regular testing is key to early diagnosis and prevention. Here’s when you should consider getting tested:
- At least once a year if you’re sexually active
- Every 3–6 months if you’re at higher risk (e.g., MSM, people with multiple partners)
- During pregnancy
- After potential exposure (e.g., unprotected sex, needle sharing)
Final Thoughts on HIV Symptoms and Testing
You cannot tell whether someone (including yourself) has HIV based on symptoms alone. The only reliable way to know is through HIV testing.
By knowing your status, you can:
- Start life-saving treatment early
- Prevent the spread of HIV to others
- Take advantage of modern prevention tools like PrEP and PEP
- Protect your partner and, if you’re pregnant, your child
Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Whether you’re feeling sick or completely fine, testing is your first step toward a healthier future.
To find testing locations or order a self-test kit, visit the HIV Services Locator.
