How long acute hiv last

These include:. Antibodies are proteins that recognize and destroy harmful substances, such as viruses and bacteria. The presence of certain antibodies usually indicates a current infection. However, it can take several weeks after an initial transmission for HIV antibodies to appear. The healthcare provider may also have them repeat the antibody test a few weeks later to see if any antibodies have developed.

An antigen is a foreign substance that causes an immune response in the body. People who take a 4th generation test or p24 antigen blood test will also need to confirm their HIV status with a viral load test.

Proper treatment is crucial for people diagnosed with HIV. Healthcare providers and scientists agree that early treatment with antiretroviral drugs should be used by all HIV-positive people who are ready to start taking a daily medication. In addition to medical treatment, healthcare providers may also suggest certain lifestyle adjustments , including:.

The outlook is best for people who begin treatment before HIV has damaged their immune system. Successful treatment improves both the life expectancy and quality of life of someone living with HIV.

In most cases, HIV is considered a chronic condition and can be managed long term. Acute HIV infection can be prevented by avoiding exposure to the blood, semen, anal secretions, and vaginal fluid of a person living with HIV.

It is important that preventative methods such as condoms or PrEP are used during this time to protect sexual partners. Going on treatment ensures that the amount of virus in the body can be kept undetectable and that your immune system is given a chance to strengthen in order to prevent illnesses.

If you start treatment during the early stage of infection, this will help limit damage to the immune system. There is evidence that there is less chance of achieving a normal CD4 cell count if treatment is delayed for more than a year after infection. Thus, starting treatment within a year, if not sooner, is advised.

Starting treatment remains your decision and you should discuss any concerns you have with your doctor. Maintaining adherence to treatment in order to achieve a very low undetectable viral load is important in order to get the virus under control and limit its ability to damage your immune system. Taking medication will be an ongoing and long-term commitment. Even if you do not take treatment, after a few months, your immune system will be better at keeping the virus under control.

You will feel better, your viral load will go down and your CD4 count will go up. Nonetheless, you could still pass on HIV if you are not taking treatment. How HIV works. Primary tabs View active tab Preview. Krishen Samuel. May During this time, some people have flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headache, and rash. In the acute stage of infection, HIV multiplies rapidly and spreads throughout the body.

The virus attacks and destroys the infection-fighting CD4 cells CD4 T lymphocyte of the immune system. Q: When does acute HIV infection occur?

Some people may feel ill with flu-like symptoms two to four weeks after being infected with HIV, while other people who have contracted HIV develop no symptoms at all.

Q: How long do acute HIV infection symptoms last? A: The symptoms of acute HIV infection, which can include flu-like symptoms, swollen lymph glands and mouth ulcers, generally last a few weeks. See the section on Symptoms of acute HIV infection. Q: How is acute HIV infection treated?

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed June 21, American Family Physician. Accessed June 24, World Health Organization. The Lancet. Accessed July 17, Ending HIV. Terrence Higgins Trust. This website meets the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. What is acute HIV infection? Signs and symptoms can include the following, starting with the most common: [3] [4] [5] [6] Mouth ulcers Red rash Aching muscles Joint pains Unintentional weight loss Fever Loss of coordination Tiredness Headache Swollen lymph nodes Sore throat Diarrhea Some HIV-infected people do not have any symptoms, or may have symptoms that are mild and not particularly troublesome.

Who is at risk of acute HIV infection? Antibody tests: 21 to 84 days after infection Fourth generation tests: 13 to 42 days after infection Nucleic acid tests: seven to 28 days after infection The first number for each test is the earliest possible time that an HIV infection can be detected with that test. These include: [18] [17] Chronic renal failure Diabetes Osteoporosis Liver damage Heart disease Hyperlipidemia, an excess of fats in the blood Lipodystrophy, metabolic changes in how the body uses and stores fat Depression People who have contracted HIV become more susceptible to other medical conditions, so they will benefit from lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy and balanced diet, practicing safe sex and reducing stress levels.

The drugs may cause side-effects, such as: [19] [20] [21] Nausea Vomiting Headaches Tiredness Diarrhea Prevention of acute HIV infection There are ways to minimize the risk of contracting HIV , or passing the infection on to other people: [22] Practice safe sex: use condoms during all types of sexual contact and limit the number of partners Practice safe needle use: use only sterile needles and equipment if injecting substances.