The only way to determine for sure whether you are infected is to be tested for HIV infection. You cannot rely on symptoms to know whether or not you are infected with HIV. However, no one should assume they are infected if they have any of these symptoms. Each of these symptoms can be related to other illnesses. Again, the only way to determine whether you are infected is to be tested for HIV infection. Similarly, you cannot rely on symptoms to establish that a person has AIDS.

Primary HIV infection is the first stage of HIV disease, when the virus first establishes itself in the body. Some researchers use the term acute HIV infection to describe the period of time between when a person is first infected with HIV and when antibodies against the virus are produced by the body (usually 6- 12 weeks). Some people newly infected with HIV will experience some "flu-like" symptoms.

The only way to know if you are infected is to be tested for HIV infection. You cannot rely on symptoms to know whether or not you are infected. Many people who are infected with HIV do not have any symptoms at all for 10 years or more. To learn more about HIV testing or to find a local HIV testing site near you, visit the National HIV Testing Resources.

The initial symptoms of seroconversion (when a person initially becomes HIV+) are similar to mono. A person feels feverish, has swollen glands, sore throat, rash, fatigue, etc. Otherwise a person with AIDS can have multiple symptoms: difficulty swallowing, a coating on the tongue or throat, fevers, dementia, diarrhea, unusual skin lesions, shortness of breath, multiple vaginal yeast infections, cough, weight loss, etc.

How do I assess the level of risk of contracting HIV or STD's based on my own exposure? Maybe I don't need a test.

HIV infection most often has no symptoms. Flu-like symptoms often occur four to twelve weeks after infection when seroconversion generally takes place. Symptoms are variable, but include swollen glands in the neck and armpits, fatigue, fever, thrush, night sweats, weight loss, gynocologic disorders (in women) including yeast infections and PID. For more detailed information, go to, Symptoms of HIV.

You cannot tell your HIV status by symptoms. Symptoms for HIV may not occur for years after you become infected, so many people who are infected do not know it. Initial symptoms of HIV are very common and may be associated with a variety of illnesses. If you are feeling sick or having symptoms you should see your doctor. However, if you think you might have been at risk of getting HIV, you must get an HIV test to know if you did become infected or not.

I have rrp (throat warts) too. Listen to the above poster. I never heard of this disease & was a virgin when I met my boyfriend (supposedly he was too -- huh!!). No one is safe from this disease, and I'm suffering because of someone elses discrections.

If you are pregnant or thinking about getting pregnant, it is important to find out if you have HIV. If you do have HIV, you can get treatment for you and your baby that will help keep you both healthy.

The combination of an Eliza/Western Blot HIV Antibody Test is the accepted testing method for HIV infection. This combination test is looking for the antibodies that develop to fight the HIV virus. There are two ways to conduct this test. Either through a blood draw or through the "Orasure" method (a sample of oral mucus obtained with a specially treated cotton pad that is placed between the cheek and lower gum for two minutes).