Acute HIV infection or seroconversion is never A

Acute HIV infection or seroconversion is never diagnosed based on symptoms presented. Only a confirmed positive antibody (ELIZA) test is conclusive.

2. The symptoms of acute HIV infection resemble other, more common, self-limiting, viral infections like colds, flus, mononucleosis, strep throat, etc. These common viral conditions are often aggravated by stress and anxiety, for example over a possible HIV infection and fatigue from traveling.

3. The symptoms of acute HIV infection vary a great deal between people. Approximately 30% of patients experience no symptoms at all. For those that do experience symptoms, the symptoms do not follow a very clear pattern and can last for days or several months.

4. Researchers have found that the virus begins to replicate and damage the immune system very early after infection. It takes only minutes for HIV to infect immune cells and begin replicating. But it takes the body several days and sometimes months to recognize that the infection has taken place and to produce enough antigens and antibodies in response that can be detected though testing. The ability of new antiviral drugs to stop HIV from replicating has lead researchers to speculate that treating HIV within hours after infection may help to halt infection or at the very least improve the prognosis for the patient. This type of treatment is called Post Exposure Prophylaxis, or more optimisitcally called "Post Exposure Prevention." For this reason, it is important to recognize the signs of early HIV infection so that a person can be evaluated for treatment as soon as possible. However, by the time of seroconversion, infection and replication of HIV is already in high gear. Once this happens, eradicating HIV is probably impossible.

5. There is a test for p24 antigen that can detect HIV infection before enough antibodies are present to be detected by an ELISA test. P24 antigens disappear however by the time antibodies develop. The p24 antigen test does have a role for patients who have had a significant risk for HIV infection within the last few weeks and are currently experiencing symptoms of HIV seroconversion. Consult a doctor about whether you should get this test.