Overview
Primary HIV infection (PHI) is an illness that can develop when a person becomes infected with HIV, also known as the virus that leads to AIDS. PHI occurs in about half of people who are exposed to HIV; it develops in weeks to months after infection with HIV and often mimics the flu with fatigue, muscle aches, swollen glands, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is very difficult to tell the difference between a regular viral illness such as the flu and PHI, although only those who are at risk for exposure to HIV can develop PHI. Tell your doctor if you have had unprotected sex with an infected partner or shared needles or syringes with an infected person. It is important to know as early as possible if you have HIV because you want to protect yourself (by seeing an HIV specialist and perhaps beginning a regimen of antiviral drugs) and protect others. There is no cure for HIV or AIDS.
The HIV virus lives in some body fluids (blood, semen, vaginal fluid, and breast milk) but not others (sweat, tears, or urine). It is transmitted when the former types of fluids are spread to another person by oral, anal, or vaginal sex; breast-feeding; or intravenous drug use. HIV can also be passed from a mother to a baby, either during the pregnancy or delivery.
