The vast majority of symptomatic, acute HIV-infected patients have a temperature of 38-40°C at the onset of fever. A study that included 41 patients showed a mean maximum temperature of 38.9°C. People with acute HIV infection may present with a variety of signs and symptoms called acute retroviral syndrome. The most common manifestations are fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, rash, myalgia/arthralgia and headache. Painful cutaneous mucosal ulcers are one of the most unique manifestations of acute HIV infection. Early HIV infection should also be considered if the patient has had recent high-risk exposures or recent sexually transmitted infections (especially syphilis), regardless of the presence or absence of signs or symptoms. When considering the possibility of acute or early HIV infection, the most sensitive diagnostic test available, such as HIV virology (viral load) testing, should be performed. In addition to the HIV viral load test, a combined antigen/antibody test will be performed. If clinical symptoms are present, it is recommended to visit a healthcare facility for screening in order to avoid serious consequences.