HIV infection (once it occurs) is lifelong. We do not have a cure at the present time. About 60% of the people (or less) when they acquire HIV may have some symptoms. An equal number have no symptoms whatsoever. But early symptoms after acquiring it include: fever, swollen throat or sore throat, lymph nodes in the neck and the back of the neck and under the arms are swollen. Occasionally, about 50% of these individuals who actually appear ill will have a rash that looks much like mononucleosis. In other words, it's a flat red rash found on the torso and the arms and legs of the individual. Virtually 100 percent of these people will have a fever.