HIV infection possible without swelling of lymph nodes?
Lymph node swelling is one of many rather unspecific symptoms that can occur in HIV infection. When symptoms such as fever, fatigue or joint pain occur, the lymph nodes very often swell as well. However, about half of the people who become infected with HIV either show no symptoms at all at first or they are so weak that they are not noticed.
Therefore, an HIV infection without swelling of the lymph nodes is possible and not uncommon. The occurrence or absence of symptoms can therefore neither prove nor exclude an infection. It is of utmost importance to exclude an infection by an HIV test after a risk contact.
This includes in particular intercourse outside a partnership without a condom (especially anal intercourse, but also after vaginal or oral sex). Nevertheless, such contact often does not lead to infection, but testing should be carried out to be on the safe side. Lymph node swelling can have many causes. Swollen lymph nodes can have many causes.
