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Very recent infection

Roger Pebody
Published: 01 May 2012

During the first few weeks after becoming infected with HIV, your body's immune system is working out what HIV is and how to get it under control.

You may feel unwell for a short time (this is called seroconversion illness). In a few months, your immune system will get better at keeping HIV under control and you will feel better.

Your doctor may recommend starting HIV treatment in some circumstances, such as if your CD4 count is below 350, or you have severe symptoms, but not everybody needs to take treatment straight away.

Click here to see our illustrated leaflet giving basic information on very recent infection with HIV.

Very recent infection

Our information levels explained

  • Short and simple introductions to key HIV topics, sometimes illustrated with pictures.
  • Expands on the previous level, but also written in easy-to-understand plain language.
  • More detailed information, likely to include medical and scientific language.
  • Detailed, comprehensive information, using medical and specialised language.
This content was checked for accuracy at the time it was written. It may have been superseded by more recent developments. NAM recommends checking whether this is the most current information when making decisions that may affect your health.