[Guest]

Doc, state floaters not a common symptom of accute HIV infection. Is it possible floaters may occur due to vigorous response of immune system in accute HIV infection in much same way as seen in patients undergoing HAART regimens regardless of CMV? Secondly, when a patient suffers ARS, much is read symptoms reside in 2 weeks or so after initial onset. I want to ask... Do all symptoms reside after a short time, including swollen /or painful lymph nodes? Finally, can a patient experience continual symptoms (ARS) upto six months or so after exposure initial onset?... reason i ask is because a similar question has been asked on anor HIV related um in past, answer given 'it's impossible to still be experiencing ARS symptoms at six months post exposure.' I also read , 'anyone experiencing ARS would have to seek medical advice sooner or later.' If is so, n is it estimated so many people do not know y may have HIV disease, we to assume y didn't or haven't had any symptoms?

[Guest]

I'll try to answer all of these in sequence. 1) Floaters are not reported as part of the symptoms of ARS. Remember floaters are a normal finding in all people. The floaters in AIDS and CMV come with late disease. 2) Symptoms of ARS do usually subside in 2-4 weeks. I just saw a woman with ARS who had sx for about 4 weeks. 3) Some symptoms seen in ARS, like swollen glands, can persist throughout hiv infection. From early to late infection. 4) People would not continue to experience ARS, fevers, rash, swollen glands, fatigue, flu like symptoms, for months after infection. 5) Some people with ARS see doctors who don't think of ARS as a diagnosis. It may be flu season and the patient may not disclose recent risky behavior. We're trying to educate more health care professionals to look out for ARS in all patients presenting with symptoms. good luck GR