Hi

There are no specific symptoms that are exclusive to HIV. If someone gets HIV the symptoms they could get can also be caused by many different medical conditions. Given this people are unable to use symptoms as a way to determine if they have HIV or not. The only way to find out if you have HIV is by doing a HIV test.

To answer your question boils would not be a symptom that is specific to HIV. People with and without HIV can develop boils. As you have a symptom and are worried about HIV I would recommend going for a HIV test.

It can be common for people to worry about HIV if they develop symptoms after a possible risk. In these situations we recommend that people go for a HIV test to find out their status, if there was a risk that could have passed HIV.

Let us know if you have any further questions or concerns.

Health Nurse