How is Acute HIV Syndrome Diagnosed?

How is Acute HIV Syndrome Diagnosed?

Medical professionals must understand acute HIV syndrome and must consider HIV in anyone who presents with acute HIV signs and symptoms. The key is a complete sexual and HIV risk factor assessment for anyone who presents to their office or emergency room. For instance, if a 60-year-old grandmother presents with fever, weight loss, and swollen lymph nodes, it is a mistake to assume she is not at risk for acute HIV syndrome simply because she is not what some consider to be a "typical" HIV patient. Because HIV does not discriminate, she should have a sexual history assessment and an HIV risk assessment just like a gay white male would in the same situation. Making assumptions about who is at risk for HIV infection can mean a HIV diagnosis will be missed.