Acute HIV Infection
Alternate Names : Acute Retroviral Syndrome, HIV Seroconversion Syndrome, Primary HIV Infection
Definition An infection caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that gradually destroys the immune system.
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Primary or acute HIV infection is a condition that occurs 2 to 4 weeks after infection by the HIV virus. The virus, called human immunodeficiency virus or HIV, is spread by intimate sexual contact, injection drug use in which contaminated needles and syringes are used, contaminated blood transfusions and blood products, through the placenta from the mother to the fetus, and rarely through breastfeeding.
Acute HIV infection can resemble infectious mononucleosis or other viral flu syndromes. Typical symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. People may also experience aching muscles (myalgia) and a rash that occurs anywhere on the body and may change locations. These symptoms may last from a few days to 2 weeks, and then subside.
After an infection with HIV, antibodies to the virus can be detected in the blood. This is called seroconversion. HIV seroconversion (converting from HIV negative to HIV positive) usually occurs within 3 months of exposure, but on rare occasions may occur up to a year after exposure.
Following the acute infection, there may be no further evidence of illness for the next decade.
Acute HIV infection can, but does not always, progress to early symptomatic HIV infection and advanced HIV diseases or AIDS.
It cannot be assumed that all people infected with HIV will inevitably progress to AIDS, but time has shown that the vast majority do. To date there are a small number of people who have unquestionably tested positive for HIV, but no longer test positive and have absolutely no signs of disease. These numbers are extremely small, but they provide evidence that the human body may be capable of eliminating the disease. These people are being carefully watched and studied.
HIV has spread throughout the United States and other countries. Higher concentrations of the disease are found in large metropolitan centers, inner city areas, and among certain populations with high-risk behaviors.
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