What are the early symptoms of HIV in women?
Dec 03, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
Early signs of HIV in women mainly include persistent low-grade fever, frequent infections of the reproductive system, generalized lymphadenopathy, abnormalities of the skin and mucous membranes, unexplained fatigue, and night sweats. These symptoms typically appear 2 to 4 weeks after infection and are easily confused with common illnesses. If there is a history of high-risk behavior and one or more of these symptoms occur, prompt medical evaluation and testing are recommended.
Early signs of AIDS in women mainly include persistent low-grade fever, frequent genital infections, generalized lymphadenopathy, skin and mucous membrane abnormalities, unexplained fatigue and night sweats. These symptoms typically appear 2–4 weeks after infection and are easily mistaken for common illnesses. If there is a history of high-risk behavior accompanied by one or more of the above symptoms, prompt medical evaluation and testing are recommended.
1. Persistent low-grade fever: Body temperature often ranges between 37.3°C and 38°C, sometimes rising to high fever, lasting 1–3 weeks without improvement. This results from immune system activation due to viral infection and is commonly misdiagnosed as a common cold, often accompanied by general malaise.
2. Frequent genital infections: Recurrent vaginal inflammation characterized by abnormal increase in vaginal discharge with odor, itching of the external genitalia, or episodes of pelvic inflammatory disease, caused by decreased resistance in the reproductive system due to impaired immunity.
3. Generalized lymphadenopathy: Painless swollen lumps appear in areas such as the neck, armpits, and groin, larger than 1 cm in diameter, with soft yet firm texture and mobility, persisting for more than three months—this is a typical sign of the immune system fighting the virus.
4. Skin and mucous membrane abnormalities: Red maculopapular rashes without significant itching may appear on the trunk and limbs; recurrent oral ulcers, oral thrush, or persistent fungal skin infections that fail to heal, as mucosal sites are particularly vulnerable to viral invasion.
5. Unexplained fatigue and night sweats: Persistent exhaustion that does not improve with rest, along with excessive sweating during sleep—sometimes soaking through clothes—caused by energy depletion and immune system dysregulation due to the virus.
Maintain good personal hygiene, avoid unprotected sex and sharing personal items, follow a regular sleep schedule, eat a balanced diet to strengthen physical health. When suspected symptoms occur, avoid self-medication and actively engage in health monitoring and protective measures.
