11 Early Symptoms of HIV Every Woman Should Be Aware Of

11. Stomach Troubles

Amruta Padhye, M.D., an infectious disease specialist at the University of Missouri Health Care says that stomach, gastrointestinal, and digestive issues such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting may also be signs of initial stages of HIV.

“With rising viremia [levels of virus in the blood], the immune system is in a state of hyperactivation,” she explains. So if you seem to be having unexplained stomach troubles, it’s not a bad idea to suggest getting tested (especially in the case of recent risky sexual activity).