<s>[INST] Hello Doctor, an enquiry re: ARS symptoms.  Can they start with a one day fever, then nothing for a few days followed by a 3 day sore throat and week long pain in the fingers, toes and jaw ?  I thought all ARS symptoms happened on the same days, not one symptom one day then others a few days later ?? [/INST] HiAcute HIV infection is defined as the period between exposure to the virus and completion of the initial immune responses.This period varies but generally lasts 2-3 months. During this time, antibody tests may be negative for HIV, but the serum viral load is detectable and can be quite high.Approximately 70% of patients with HIV infection develop symptoms during the acute infection period.Symptoms of ARS occur over 2-3 month, not in one day.Yes, symptoms of ARS may occur intermittently over a period of 2-3 months.Early symptomatic HIV infection includes persistent generalized lymphadenopathy, often the earliest symptom of primary HIV infection; oral lesions such as thrush and oral hairy leukoplakia; hematologic disturbances such as hypoproliferative anemia and thrombocytopenia; neurologic disorders such as aseptic meningitis; and dermatologic disorders such as varicella-zoster virus. Hope this is helpful. Take care. </s>