Acute HIV infection

Causes and Risks:
Primary or acute HIV infection is a condition that occurs 2 to 4 weeks after infection by the HIV virus. The virus, called Human Immunodeficiency Virus or HIV, is spread by intimate sexual contact, IV drug use where contaminated "paraphernalia" (needles and syringes) is used, contaminated blood transfusions and blood products, through the placenta from the mother to the fetus, and rarely through breast feeding.

Acute HIV infection can resemble infectious mononucleosis or other viral flu syndromes. Typical symptoms include fever , headache , fatigue , and swollen lymph nodes . People may also experience aching muscles ( myalgia ) and a rash that occurs anywhere on the body and may change locations (transient, generalized rash). These symptoms may last from a few days to two weeks, and then subside.

After an infection with HIV, antibodies to the virus can be detected in the blood. This is called seroconversion. HIV seroconversion (converting from HIV negative to HIV positive) usually occurs within 3 months of exposure, but on rare occasions may occur up to a year after exposure.

Following the acute infection there may be no further evidence of illness for the next 2 to 5 years. After 5 years, approximately one-fourth of the infected people will have progressed to the next stage of illness, known as ARC or AIDS-Related Complex.

Acute HIV infection can, but does not always, progress to chronic symptomatic HIV infection and advanced HIV diseases or AIDS . In a study of people infected with the virus from 1977 through 1980, some have no signs or symptoms of HIV infection ( asymptomatic HIV infection ), and some have only enlarged lymph nodes (generalized lymphadenopathy ). It cannot be assumed that all people infected with HIV will inevitably progress to AIDS, but time has shown that the vast majority do. To date there are a small number of people who have unquestionably tested positive for AIDS but no longer test positive and have absolutely no signs of disease. These numbers are extremely small but provide evidence that the human body may be capable of eliminating the disease. These people are being carefully watched and studied.

HIV has spread throughout the U.S. and other countries. Higher concentrations of the disease are found in large metropolitan centers, inner city areas, and among certain high-risk populations such as IV drug users, bisexual and homosexual men, and hemophiliacs. The HIV infection rate is increasing more quickly among blacks and Hispanics than among Caucasians. The rate among women is also increasing rapidly.

It is estimated that 1 out of every 200 people carries the HIV virus (not all exhibit symptoms).

Prevention:
For a comprehensive discussion see the prevention section in AIDS .

Safer sex behaviors may reduce the risk of acquiring the infection. There is a risk of acquiring the infection even if "safe sex" is practiced. Abstinence is the only sure way to prevent sexual transmission of the HIV virus.

General guidelines:
  • Do not have sexual intercourse with persons known or suspected to be infected with AIDS, numerous partners, any person who has multiple partners, or people who use IV drugs.
  • Do not use intravenous drugs. If IV drugs are used, do not share needles or syringes.
  • People with AIDS or who have had positive antibody tests may pass the disease on to others and should not donate blood, plasma, body organs, or sperm. Do not exchange body fluids (including saliva) during sexual activity.



Symptoms:
Note: At the time of diagnosis with the HIV infection , many people have not experienced symptoms.

Any of the following symptoms may occur:



Signs and Tests:



Treatment:
People with HIV infection need to receive education about the disease and treatment so they can be active partners in decision-making with the health care provider.

Therapy with Retrovir, an antiviral agent, is controversial in early infection. It is usually not recommended.

Although there are no specific treatments at this stage of the illness, there are certain healthful practices that should be followed:

  • stress should be kept to a minimum
  • avoid exposure people with acute infectious illnesses
  • get adequate exercise but do not over-do (don't wear yourself out)
  • maintain a nutritious diet with adequate caloric intake
  • avoid settings, situations, and so on that may lead to depression . Maintain positive social contacts, hobbies, interests, and pets.

Support group :
The stress of illness can often be reduced by joining a support group, where members share common experiences and problems. See AIDS - support group .

Prognosis:
HIV is a long-term medical condition that can be treated but not yet cured. There are effective means of preventing complications and delaying (but not preventing) progression to AIDS . At the present time, not all cases of HIV have progressed to AIDS.

Complications:



Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have had a possible or actual exposure to AIDS or HIV infection ; or if you are at risk and have had symptoms suggestive of acute HIV infection.


Kaposi's sarcoma on the toe. This once-rare malignancy of the blood vessels is now associated with AIDS. It is more frequently associated with AIDS in homosexual men than AIDS in IV drug users. The malignancy results in purplish grape-like lesions in the skin, gastrointestinal tract and other organs. In this photograph, the lesion is located on the toe.



Kaposi's sarcoma on the foot. This once-rare malignancy of the blood vessels is now associated with AIDS. It is more frequently associated with AIDS in homosexual men than AIDS in IV drug users. The malignancy results in purplish grape-like lesions in the skin, gastrointestinal tract and other organs.



Kaposi's sarcoma is a vascular cancer that is now closely associated with AIDS. These vascular lesions are typically purple, may be raised, and exhibit a grape-like surface texture.



Kaposi's sarcoma usually occurs in male homosexuals with AIDS. These lesions can appear anywhere on the body as purple, elevated growths. This sarcoma is located near the anus (perianal).



Herpes simplex virus normally infects mucous membranes. In people with weakened immune systems (immunocompromised) it may infect many areas including the skin. A large are of tissue has been damaged with some tissue death (necrosis). These infections are difficult to treat.



This is a graph of AIDS statistics for the United States from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC); alphabetically for Alabama through Iowa.



This is a graph of AIDS statistics for the United States from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC); alphabetically for Kansas through North Dakota.



This is a graph of AIDS statistics for the United States from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC); alphabetically for the states of Ohio through Wyoming.