Is Swollen Lymph Glands A Symptom Of Acute HIV Infection

Here's a taste of what TheBody.com has to offer on this topic:

Get the Facts

Acute HIV Infection

What Is Acute HIV Infection? The amount of HIV in the blood gets very high within a few days or weeks after HIV infection. Some people get a flu-like illness. This first stage of HIV disease is called "acute HIV infection" or "primary HIV infection." About half of the people who get infected don't notice anything. Symptoms generally occur within 2 to 4 weeks. The most common symptoms are fever, fatigue, and rash. Others include headache,...

Ask the Experts

What exactly do "swollen glands" mean? How soon after a new HIV infection can swollen glands appear?

There is a lot of talk about how "swollen glands" are common in HIV'ers at ANY time during infection, even during the asymptomatic period and AFTER acute retroviral syndrome . Is this true?Does this mean that it is possible or...

Response from Bruce Dezube, M.D.

Harvard Medical School

I've addressed the issue of lymph nodes on MANY recent responses so I don't want to repeat all the response here.I'll address your two questions1) How soon after HIV infection can swollen nodes appear? Lymph nodes can swell very soon... Read more »

If you have swollen glands and are HIV negative, does this mean that you don't have HIV infection?

I have a question about swollen glands. The presence of swollen glands indicates that the body is fighting against an infection. Therefore if a man has a swollen glands and his HIV test is negative, then does this mean the swollen glands are due...

Response from Bruce Dezube, M.D.

Harvard Medical School

Enlarged Lymph nodes (also known as swollen glands) are indeed often nothing more than the body's attempt to fight off an infection. If you are HIV negative, then it is unlikely that you have a chronic HIV infection. However, right after a... Read more »

Swollen lymph glands during PEP

Dr Bob, can you help me PLEASE? I am now 34 yrs old. In May 2008 I had receptive anal sex during which time the condom broke. I always use condoms. I attended a clinic the following day and started PEP about 14 hours afterwards for 28 days. My...

Response from Robert J. Frascino, M.D.

The Robert James Frascino AIDS Foundation

Hello Mark,Unfortunately, I cannot diagnose the cause of your symptoms over the Internet, as I do not have access to your complete medical file and all of your laboratory test results or have the benefit of a physical examination. However, with... Read more »

confussed about lymph gland symptoms

HELLO, PLEASE ANSWER THIS. I AM CONFUSSED ABOUT LYMPH GLAND SYMPTOMS. I READ A RECENT ANSWER FROM YOU THAT HIV SYMPTOMS USUALLY TAKE 5-10 YRS TO APPEAR. DOES THIS INCLUDE THE SWOLLEN GLANDS? ...

Response from Judith Feinberg, M.D.

University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine

When we talk about HIV-related problems, this does not include swollen lymph nodes, it includes things like thrush, weight loss, oral hairy leukoplakia, etc. Many many illnesses are accompanied by swollen lymph nodes, which just means that the... Read more »

Go to Ask the Experts »

Connect With Others

if you worry about swollen lymph glands under jaw

Posted by Anonymous, 2 Replies

it's mostly because of a problem with teeth.. and after you start to be paranoiac about HIV , you 'll find out you have a swollen lympg glands there.. don't worry about lymph glands under jaw..

Read more »

Does HIV always cause swollen lymph nodes?

Posted by Anonymous, 2 Replies

Even if you do not have any other symptoms will swollen gland always appear in the first few weeks of infection? Read more »

Swollen Glands

Posted by Anonymous, 4 Replies

In early HIV infection, when the lymph nodes are swollen, could it be just one in the neck swollen or would it usually affect the lymph nodes all over the body? Any HIVers have experience with this? Read more »

How can I identify a swollen gland (armpit)?!!!

Posted by Anonymous, 2 Replies

I had an exposure 1.5 months ago with a guy that knew he was HIV + but didnt tell me anything until yesterday... I did not use a condom... I think I may have a little swelling in my armpits... Does anybody know how to identify if this is happening?... Read more »

Connect on Our Bulletin Boards »

Tools

My Health Tracker

Assess Your Risk for HIV

Find Local HIV/AIDS Services

Resource Centers

Guides for People With HIV

View All of Our Guides >>