Signs and symptoms of HIV

The symptoms of HIV vary, depending on the individual and what stage of the disease the person is in. Each of these symptoms can be related to other illnesses, so it is important to get tested. Many people who are infected with HIV may not develop symptoms for over 10 years. Since the body’s immune system becomes damaged, opportunistic infections occur, these can cause many of the severe symptoms and illnesses of HIV.

Early stage: Occurs within 2-4 weeks after HIV infection. During this time many, but not all, people experience flu-like symptoms. This is called acute retroviral syndrome (ARS), it is the body’s natural response to the infection. Symptoms can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. During this time people are very infectious as HIV is present in large quantities in genital fluid. Symptoms include:

• Fever (this is the most common symptom)
• Enlarged or swollen glands
• Sore throat
• Rash
• Fatigue
• Muscle and joint aches and pains
• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fungal infection of the mouth called thrush which is caused by yeast

The clinical latency stage (asymptomatic period): Occurs after the early stage of HIV. Although the virus is still active, HIV is being produced at very low levels. People in this stage may not experience symptoms, or have mild symptoms (although they are asymptomatic, they are still able to transmit HIV). Those who take antiretrovirals may live in this stage for several decades (treatment keeps virus in check). This stage lasts about 10 years (some people may progress faster) for those who do not take antiretrovirals.  Antiretroviral therapy can greatly reduce the risk of transmission.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS): The transition from the clinical latency stage to AIDS is seen with the onset of symptoms. Those who have HIV and do not take antiretrovirals, eventually have their immune system weakened by the virus. This is the late stage and symptoms during this time may include:

• Rapid weight loss
• Recurring fever or profuse night sweats
• Extreme and unexplained tiredness
• Prolonged swelling of the lymph glands in the armpits, groin, or neck (usually first signs)
• Diarrhea that lasts for more than a week
• Sores of the mouth, anus, or genitals
• Pneumonia
• Red, brown, pink, or purplish blotches on or under the skin or inside the mouth, nose, or eyelids
• Memory loss, depression, and other neurologic disorders.
• Herpes infections causing severe mouth, genital, and anal sores.

https://www.aids.gov/hiv-aids-basics/hiv-aids-101/signs-and-symptoms/

http://www.ucsfhealth.org/conditions/hiv/signs_and_symptoms.html