approximately how long does it take for acute symptoms to show up after initial infection in most people? I've read anywhere from a week to 8 weeks. I understand a rash of some sort is fairly common symptom. Can anyone give a brief description of it? (such as color, common areas and if it itches like many other rashes, so as to differentiate.)

Thanks.

Do yourself a favour and forget about symptoms. Any symptom associated with acute HIV infection can be associated with many other diseases. If you are that concerned about possibly being infected just go and get tested and stop looking into symptoms.

kraskwhoor-
advice like that and a dollar will get you a cup of coffee...

I am not "looking" into symptoms. My question was specific about a rash that is charachteristic of primary infection. A brief description woul've done fine. that so difficult?

Its called a macro pauplar rash I think, I dont much remember what was said about it, its 1 - 2 centimeters or so in size, as for color I would expect it to be redish or pinkish in color, but using symptoms to diagnose is wrong, ARS usually can only be said to have occured if you test positive, if you dont then a rash is just simply a rash

Dear Jay: there is such a major problem with attempting to diagnose a 'rash' through this kind of post. First of all the words I use to describe a rash (any kind of rash) may be significantly different that the words you use. You say "tamaytoe" and I say "tomoto". Secondly, kraskwhoor is absolutely correct. If you are going to attempt to diagnose based on symptoms, those symtoms are as consitent with the flu, MS, or any other illness as they are to HIV. IF it make YOU feel better, fine. But the only way to know for sure is to get tested. chris (by the way, you owe kraskwhoor and me a dollar.) :wave:

OMG...now you are going tell me that you had a rash and that you might be HIV positive. Stop being paranoid....cause it gets anoying. Dude....Acute HIV syndrom is a constellation of symptoms, a rash means nothing. If you think you are HIV+ go get tested. PERIOD