HIV Symptoms, Early Signs, Prevention (PrEP), Testing & Treatment
HIV can feel frightening — but early detection, correct information, and evidence-based treatment change everything. This guide explains how HIV typically presents, what to watch for in the first days and weeks, how testing works, prevention options (including condoms and PrEP), and modern treatment (ART) — with clear, local next steps for people in Coimbatore and nearby towns. If you’re worried about a recent exposure or symptoms, confidential testing and care are available at KK Diabetes & Sex Care Centre, Thudiyalur, Coimbatore. Immediate testing and fast access to appropriate care are the most important steps.
(Acute HIV symptoms most often appear 2–4 weeks after infection; symptoms can resemble a bad flu. Sources: CDC, WHO).
What is HIV?
Short explainer: HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system’s CD4 cells. Untreated, it can progress to advanced immune deficiency (AIDS). Today, with early diagnosis and antiretroviral therapy (ART), people with HIV can live long, healthy lives and transmit the virus at extremely low rates when virally suppressed. Global progress has reduced deaths and improved access to therapy, but prevention and testing remain essential.
Stages & Early Symptoms:
- Acute (primary) infection — 2 to 4 weeks after exposure: many experience fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, headache, muscle/joint pain, rash, and sometimes mouth ulcers. Symptoms are non-specific and may be mistaken for flu or mononucleosis. Not everyone has symptoms. Testing during this phase may require sensitive tests (RNA or antigen/antibody combo).
- Clinical latency (chronic) — months to years: few symptoms; without treatment viral replication continues.
- Advanced HIV / AIDS: opportunistic infections, severe weight loss, persistent fever, etc., occur only if untreated.
Important: Early symptoms within a week alone are uncommon — most people’s early symptoms appear 2–4 weeks after exposure, not reliably within 3–7 days. If you suspect exposure, test and repeat testing per guidelines.
How HIV spreads
- Unprotected anal or vaginal sex with someone with HIV (highest risk: receptive anal).
- Sharing of contaminated injecting equipment.
- Mother-to-child (pregnancy, delivery, breastfeeding).
Blood transfusion with unscreened blood (rare in modern systems).
(Not spread by casual contact, hugging, shared utensils, or insect bites.)
Prevention: From condoms to PrEP and long-acting options
- Condoms — proven and widely available.
- PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) — daily oral PrEP is available and recommended for people at substantial risk; India has national PrEP technical guidelines and rollout efforts.
- Long-acting injectable prevention (CAB-LA/lenacapavir etc.) are recent global advances recommended/considered by WHO and national programmes in some countries — these expand options for people who struggle with daily pills. (Availability in India varies; check local programs).
- Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) — emergency medicine given within 72 hours after a potential exposure; requires urgent clinical assessment.
Local note (Coimbatore): Ask at KK Diabetes & Sex Care Centre about PrEP eligibility, confidential testing, and rapid-start ART options — the clinic can advise on what’s locally available and appropriate.
Which test, when, and where
- Rapid antibody tests — accurate after the window period (typically 3–12 weeks depending on test).
- Antigen/antibody combo tests (4th gen) — detect p24 antigen earlier (useful 2–4 weeks).
- RNA (NAT) tests — detect virus earliest (useful in acute infection or very high suspicion). NACO & national testing guidelines recommend using appropriate algorithms and repeat testing where needed; if you had a high-risk exposure recently, seek testing immediately and again per guideline windows
Treatment (ART) & living well with HIV
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is standard care — start as soon as possible after diagnosis (test-and-treat). Modern ART regimens are effective, well-tolerated, and usually once-daily. With sustained treatment and viral suppression, the risk of sexual transmission becomes negligible (“U=U” — Undetectable = Untransmittable). National treatment guidance (NACO) outlines regimens and monitoring.
Confidential care at KK Diabetes & Sex Care Centre
If you’re in Coimbatore or nearby and need confidential testing, PrEP assessment, or treatment,
book a private appointment with Dr. P. Duraisamy at KK Diabetes & Sex Care Centre, Thudiyalur.
Contact: +91 88833 10222 / +91 89739 98399 or email dr.duraisamy.kkds@gmail.com.
book a private appointment with Dr. P. Duraisamy at KK Diabetes & Sex Care Centre, Thudiyalur.
Contact: +91 88833 10222 / +91 89739 98399 or email dr.duraisamy.kkds@gmail.com.
FAQs
Can HIV show symptoms within 7 days?
Early symptoms most commonly appear 2–4 weeks after exposure; symptoms within 3–7 days are uncommon. If you had recent exposure, test and consult — PEP may still be an option within 72 hours.
How soon can I test after exposure?
You can get a baseline test immediately; the most informative tests are done at appropriate window periods and may be repeated at recommended intervals (per NACO guidelines).
Is ART free in India?
Public ART is offered via government programs; private clinics also provide ART and support. NACO manages national ART programs.
Conclusion
HIV should never be ignored. They are medical conditions that need timely treatment. Early diagnosis, the right care and lifestyle changes can protect your health, relationships and future.
- Visit us at: KK Diabetes & Sex Care Centre, 35/1B, Kanuvai–Thudiyalur Rd, Coimbatore – 641034
- Call/WhatsApp: +91 88833 10222 | +91 89739 98399
- Book your confidential consultation today and take charge of your sexual health.