I Read That Some Hiv Patients Don't Show Any Symptoms?

Posted on Sun, 17 Nov 2019

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 17 Nov 2019 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : I read that some hiv patients don't show any symptoms? Is it true?

Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
At first stages HIV doesn't show symptoms at all or very common symptoms.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, welcome Ask a doctor's service.
I read your query and here is my advice.

This is totally right. Most of the patients who get infected with HIV don't show any symptoms at all or the symptoms they have are not specific and very similar to simple viral infections.
The symptoms may be fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, tiredness etc.
If you suspect you may have been infected to HIV or have been having risky behaviour get tested for HIV doing a 4th generation HIV test.

Hope I have answered the question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (33 hours later)

After 4 months breakup in 5 months relationship, I got shingles, I was worried because of no protection. Shingles is reported mostly in hiv patient especially among people, how much it is true?

Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It can happen even if someone doesn't have hiv or other infections.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear and thank you for asking again.
Shingles is not a sexually transmitted disease.
Not using protection doesn't make you receive shingles.
Shingles can happen mostly in low immunity but this doesn't relate it to HIV.
It can appear even if the person is not infected with HIV or other infections.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (18 minutes later)

When you get admitted to a hospital overnight, will they by default check for hiv ?

Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
They don't do it in everyday routine.

Detailed Answer:
I don't think that when you go to hospital as an emergency or if you stay there for a night they can test you for HIV.
It is not included in the routine tests done in hospital. If you want to get tested you can report to doctor that you have been having unprotected intercourse recently with suspicious person.
This way the doctor can test you for HIV but they don't do it in everyday routine.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (2 hours later)

If shingle occur in a hiv person? What stage it will occur? Acute or later?

Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
In later stages of HIV.

Detailed Answer:
Shingles can occur in a person despite he is having HIV or not.
In an infected person, shingles is mire likely to occur in later stage of HIV not in acute stages because HIV attacks immunity and shingles is more likely to occur in a low immunity person.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D