HIV symptoms: sore throat

• A sore throat can be a symptom of HIV a few weeks after getting infected with the virus.
• Not all cases of an early HIV infection cause a sore throat.
• A sore throat is a common symptom which can have many causes besides HIV.

HIV and a sore throat can be linked to each other in some cases. HIV can cause several symptoms right after infection with the virus, with a sore throat being one of them. Of course, this doesn’t mean that a sore throat is always related to an infection with HIV, as many common illnesses can cause a sore throat. In this article, you can find more information about a sore throat caused by HIV, with additional details about when it starts, how long it lasts, and how it can be distinguished from other conditions. 

A sore throat is a possible HIV symptom. HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system. This virus can spread from one person to another by interchanging bodily fluids with an HIV-positive person. These fluids can include blood, semen, vaginal or rectal fluids, and breast milk. HIV can cause several symptoms, which are mostly flu-like, making it hard to detect the condition based on the symptoms alone. On top of that, many early HIV infections don’t cause any symptoms. If there are symptoms of HIV noticeable shortly after getting infected with the virus, then these often include: 1

• Sore throat
• Fever, which can be combined with chills
• Night sweats
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Mouth ulcers
• Changes to the tongue
• Rash
• Tiredness
• Body aches

If you have acute HIV, a sore throat can develop 2 to 6 weeks after the infection with the virus. It’s a sign that your immune system is fighting against the virus. As a sore throat and the other possible symptoms of an HIV infection can be quite similar to everyday infections, it may go by unnoticed. Therefore, it’s essential to know which situations may put you at risk so you can get tested early on if you think you’ve been exposed to the virus. 2

A sore throat from HIV feels similar to a sore throat caused by other diseases, such as the common cold, the flu, COVID-19, an inflammation of the tonsils or the voice box, and bacterial throat infections such as strep throat. Often, it can be difficult to swallow, and the throat might seem a bit red. Swollen lymph nodes can be present in the neck as well. To know whether or not your sore throat is a sign of HIV, your healthcare provider will ask you a few questions. If you think that you may have been exposed to HIV, then it’s important to let your healthcare provider know. If they suspect that HIV may be the cause of your sore throat, then they’ll take a sample of your blood for further examination. Getting tested is the only way of knowing whether or not you have HIV. 3

Knowing whether or not your sore throat is a sign of HIV is of high importance, as antiretroviral medications should be started as soon as possible. The human immunodeficiency virus damages the immune system, which makes it harder for the body to fight off infections and other conditions. This can lead to the development of all sorts of infections which would not occur normally, as the immune system would be able to defend the body. These infections are referred to as opportunistic infections. 1

After the initial phase of HIV, which occurs right after infection with  the virus, you won’t feel symptoms for several years. During this time, the virus will replicate in the body, and the immune system will weaken. If you do not get the appropriate treatment for HIV, then the condition will evolve into AIDS. In this phase, the immune system is damaged and weakened, which can put you at risk of serious illness. 2 4

A sore throat can be a symptom of HIV, especially if it’s combined with other symptoms such as fever, body rash, changes to the tongue, swollen lymph nodes, tiredness, and muscle pain. These are signs that the immune system is fighting against the virus. However,It’s important to note that other viruses and bacteria can cause the same symptoms. If you think that you may have been exposed to HIV, then it’s crucial to consult your healthcare provider as soon as possible. 

Q: How long does HIV sore throat last? 
A: A sore throat from HIV usually lasts 1 to 2 weeks, although the symptoms can persist for a bit longer as well. 

Q: Does HIV cause a sore throat? 
A: HIV can cause a sore throat, along with other possible symptoms such as fever, body rash, swollen lymph nodes, tiredness, and muscle pain. It’s however important to note that not everyone with these symptoms has an HIV infection. 

Q: What does HIV sore throat feel like? 
A: An HIV sore throat can cause difficulty swallowing due to the pain in the throat. Often, the lymph nodes in the neck are also swollen, and the throat may appear red. 

Q: Is a sore throat a symptom of HIV, 
A: A sore throat is a possible symptom of HIV, together with other symptoms such as fever, body rash, swollen lymph nodes, tiredness, and muscle pain. Some people do not notice any symptoms at all.