Early detection of HIV: What to know - Medical News Today
The signs and symptoms of HIV differ from person to person. Some people may experience symptoms immediately after contracting HIV, and some may not experience symptoms for decades. HIV.gov estimates that around 1.2 million people in the United States are currently living with HIV. About 13% of these individuals do not know they have it. Even if they are not experiencing symptoms, regular HIV testing is crucial for people with a high likelihood of contracting HIV. After testing and diagnosis, people living with HIV can receive effective treatment and lead healthy lives. Keep reading to learn more about recognizing the early signs and symptoms of HIV. Some people with HIV will experience early symptoms in as little as 2–4 weeks. These symptoms occur as the body's immune system works to attack the virus, and they typically last from days to weeks. Some of these symptoms may include: Of course, these symptoms could also be signs of another medical condition. Self-testing or at-home te...