The symptoms of HIV in a woman typically begin to show approximately 2 to 4 weeks after infection. This early stage, called acute HIV infection, often presents flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, skin rash, night sweats, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, and digestive issues. However, some people may not notice symptoms for years, and symptoms can vary among individuals.
Key points about symptom onset in women:
- Early symptoms usually appear within 2 to 4 weeks after exposure to the virus.
- Symptoms can be flu-like and include fever, chills, rash, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, mouth ulcers, and fatigue.
- Some women may experience unique symptoms like yeast infections, changes in menstrual cycles, and lower belly pain.
- After early symptoms, the virus may enter a chronic stage where there are no visible symptoms for many years.
- It is possible to carry and transmit HIV without noticeable symptoms.
- Prompt testing is essential for diagnosis since symptoms alone are not reliable indicators of HIV infection.
This timeline and symptom profile is generally similar for both men and women but may include some specific symptoms in women related to reproductive health.
