Internal Medicine in Lagos
HIV: Early Signs and Symptoms
The signs, what causes it, and when to see a internal medicine specialist in Lagos.
Signs to look for
HIV: Early Signs and Symptoms
- A flu-like illness two to six weeks after a risk: fever, sore throat, swollen glands, aching muscles and tiredness
- A rash on the body during that early illness
- Often no symptoms at all for years
- Later, without treatment: weight loss, fever, diarrhoea, cough and swollen glands that do not settle
- Later, without treatment: repeated or unusual infections, such as tuberculosis, thrush in the mouth or shingles
HIV is a virus that weakens the immune system. It is passed through sex without a condom, through blood, including shared needles and blades, and from a mother to her baby. It is not passed by kissing, hugging, sharing food or using the same toilet. Some people get a short flu-like illness about two to six weeks after infection, with fever, sore throat, swollen glands, aching muscles and a rash. Many people have no symptoms at all, and there may be none for years, which is why so many people living with HIV do not know they have it. The signs are the same in men and women and cannot tell you whether you have HIV: only a test can. Treatment taken every day keeps the virus under control, lets people live long and healthy lives, and once the virus is undetectable in the blood, it is not passed on through sex.
Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- A flu-like illness two to six weeks after a risk: fever, sore throat, swollen glands, aching muscles and tiredness
- A rash on the body during that early illness
- Often no symptoms at all for years
- Later, without treatment: weight loss, fever, diarrhoea, cough and swollen glands that do not settle
- Later, without treatment: repeated or unusual infections, such as tuberculosis, thrush in the mouth or shingles
When to See a Doctor
If the risk was in the last 72 hours, go to a hospital or a clinic today for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), the emergency medicine that can stop HIV from taking hold; do not wait for a test. Go to a hospital or emergency department now for severe breathlessness, confusion, a stiff neck with fever, or a severe headache. Book an HIV test if you have had sex without a condom with a partner whose status you do not know, shared needles or blades, have had another sexually transmitted infection, have tuberculosis, or are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. A laboratory test is reliable for most people from four to six weeks after a risk, with a final test at twelve weeks.
Treatment options
- PEP within 72 hours of a risk, from a hospital or clinic
- An HIV test four to six weeks after a risk, repeated at twelve weeks
- Confirmation of any reactive result with further tests, as Nigeria's testing guidelines require
- Antiretroviral treatment, taken every day, free at government-supported treatment centres in Nigeria
- Regular viral load checks to confirm the virus is under control
- PrEP, a daily medicine that prevents HIV, for people at ongoing risk
Common Questions
What are the early signs of HIV in men?
The same as in women: some people get a flu-like illness with fever, sore throat, swollen glands and a rash two to six weeks after infection, and many get no signs at all. No symptom proves you have HIV or that you do not. Only a test can.
What are the early signs of HIV in women?
The same early flu-like illness, or nothing at all. Repeated vaginal thrush or other infections can be a later sign in some women, but they have many other causes. Every pregnant woman is offered an HIV test, because treatment protects the baby.
How soon after a risk can I test?
A laboratory test is reliable for most people from four to six weeks, with a final answer at twelve weeks. If the risk was in the last 72 hours, you need PEP today rather than a test.
Can HIV be treated in Nigeria?
Yes. Antiretroviral treatment is free at government-supported treatment centres. Taken every day, it controls the virus, and people on treatment can expect a long and healthy life. A doctor can link you to care after a reactive result.
Need Help?
Discree, Mezo's private sexual health practice. Tests collected at home, a doctor by video, and nothing on your statement that says health.
Private HIV test at home in Lagos, ₦12,000See every private optionSources and further reading
The guidelines and patient information this page is checked against. Care in Nigeria follows the same evidence; what differs is the price and where it is done.
- HIV and AIDS. NHS. Patient information.
- HIV and AIDS. World Health Organization. Fact sheet.
Links last checked 5 November 2026.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.