Abstract
BackgroundSymptoms of primary HIV infection, including fever, rash, and headache, are nonspecific and are often described as flu-like. COVID-19 vaccination side effects, such as fever, which occur in up to 10% of people following COVID-19 vaccination, can make the diagnosis of acute HIV infection even more challenging.Case presentationA 26-year-old man presented with fever and headache following COVID-19 vaccination. The symptoms were initially thought to be vaccine side effects. A diagnostic workup was conducted due to persisting fever and headache > 72 h following vaccination, and he was diagnosed with Fiebig stage II acute HIV infection, 3 weeks after having unprotected anal intercourse with another man.ConclusionThorough anamnesis is key to estimating the individual risk of primary HIV infection, in patients presenting with flu-like symptoms. Early diagnosis and initiation of antiretroviral therapy is associated with better prognosis and limits transmission of the disease.
Highlights
Symptoms of primary human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, including fever, rash, and headache, are nonspecific and are often described as flu-like
Thorough anamnesis is key to estimating the individual risk of primary HIV infection, in patients presenting with flu-like symptoms
We describe a case of HIV seroconversion illness that was initially misdiagnosed as a COVID-19 vaccine side effect, to illustrate the similarities between common COVID-19 vaccination side effects and the diagnostic process needed to differentiate the two conditions
Summary
Thorough anamnesis is key to estimating the individual risk of primary HIV infection, in patients presenting with flu-like symptoms.
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