HIV symptoms: fever

• HIV fever can be one of the early symptoms of an acute HIV infection.
• HIV fever usually starts about 2 to 6 weeks after exposure to the HIV.
• If you’re unsure whether your fever is caused by an HIV infection or not, then you should get tested for HIV as soon as possible. 

HIV fever is one of the most common early symptoms of an HIV infection. As fever is a common symptom for infections in general, it’s important to know whether you’re at risk for HIV or not. In case of doubt, then it’s important to get tested. This article will guide you through the characteristics of HIV fever, other symptoms of an acute HIV infection, the difference between HIV fever and normal fever, how long HIV fever lasts, and how different types of fever related to HIV should be treated. 

HIV fever is one of the most common symptoms of an acute HIV infection. An acute HIV infection refers to the first stage of HIV, in which a person has just been infected. During this stage, about 80% of people infected go through a short period in which they develop flu-like symptoms. These symptoms usually develop about 2 to 6 weeks after the infection with the virus. A fever is usually one of the first symptoms of an acute HIV infection. A fever refers to a body temperature of over 100.4°F (38°C). 

Other common symptoms of an early HIV infection include: 1

• Sore throat
• Body rash 
• Tiredness 
• Joint and muscle pains
• Swollen glands 
• Mouth sores

These symptoms are caused by your immune system fighting the virus and can last for 1 to 2 weeks. Once the symptoms disappear, the second stage of HIV begins. In this stage, you won’t experience symptoms for years, but if left untreated, the virus will cause damage to your immune system. 

Having a high temperature or a fever is a normal defense mechanism of the body when you’ve been infected with a virus. This means that there are many other possible reasons why you could have a fever apart from an early HIV infection. 1 2

The difference between HIV fever and normal fever is quite difficult to notice, as fever is a common symptom of many conditions. Usually, an HIV fever can last longer than other fevers and respond as well to typical over the counter medication. Additional symptoms you’re experiencing can also provide more information about the cause of your fever. In the case of HIV fever, these additional symptoms are often flu-like, although the appearance of skin rashes and mouth sores are more likely to stem from an HIV infection. As there are many similarities between a normal fever and HIV fever, it’s advised to get tested for an acute HIV infection if you feel that you may be at risk for HIV. 3

The symptoms of HIV, including HIV fever usually occur in the first and last stages of HIV. HIV fever during the acute phase usually occurs 2 to 6 weeks after exposure to the virus and can last anywhere between a few days and several weeks. 1

HIV fever can have several causes related to HIV. Depending on the cause, another form of treatment will be necessary. If you haven’t been diagnosed with HIV and you’ve developed a fever, then your fever can have many causes and will probably resolve on its own. If you think that you may be at risk of HIV, then you should talk to your healthcare provider as soon as possible and get tested, as your fever may be an early sign of an acute HIV infection. For this type of HIV fever, it’s important to stay hydrated and to take rest. Your healthcare provider may recommend some medication to lower your temperature. 

If you have been diagnosed with HIV and you’ve developed a fever, then this may be a sign of an opportunistic infection. This is an infection which occurs in people with a weakened immune system. Generally, these infections wouldn’t develop, but as the immune system is weakened, for example by the HIV virus, they can appear. In order to tackle these opportunistic infections, it’s important to take your HIV medication consistently, as this will help limit the damage to your immune system, which makes you less likely to develop opportunistic infections. Your healthcare provider could prescribe medication for your opportunistic infection, such as antiviral medication, antibiotics, or other medication. 4

Another possible cause of a fever with HIV can be your drug regimen. It’s important to closely follow the instructions as given by your healthcare provider, and to discuss any concerns you may have.

HIV fever is one of the most common early signs of an acute HIV infection. For most people, HIV fever will feel flu-like, which makes it difficult to distinguish between the possible causes of your fever. If you are in doubt about whether or not your fever may be caused by an HIV infection, then it's essential to get tested for HIV as soon as possible.

Q: Does HIV fever come and go? 
A: HIV fever can be recurrent in some cases, so it can come and go throughout the infection. 

Q: How does HIV fever feel like? 
A: HIV fever can give a similar sensation to fever with a different cause. You may experience an elevated temperature, shivers, chills, sweating, loss of appetite, general weakness, and dehydration. 

Q: Can HIV fever last one day? 
A: HIV fever usually lasts more than one day. In general, it lasts for 1 to 2 weeks. 

Q: When does HIV fever start? 
A: HIV fever usually starts within 2 to 6 weeks after the initial exposure to the virus. 

Q: How high is HIV fever? 
A: HIV fever refers to a body temperature over 100.4°F (38°C).