What Are the Symptoms of HIV Disease?

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It's important to remember that, in many cases, it's not really possible to know if someone has HIV without taking the HIV test or having some other medical procedure performed. Basing assumptions about who has or doesn't have HIV based on appearance or symptoms can be problematic and inaccurate. Many people with HIV may not look or feel ill and, in fact, may not even know that they have it. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that upwards of 25 percent of all people living with HIV (PLHIV) in the United States don't know they're infected. And most people who have been recently diagnosed with HIV don't show any signs or symptoms of the disease.

What Does the Term HIV Syndrome Mean?

The symptoms that may appear during the early stages of HIV infection are similar to those of other illnesses, making it is easy to mistake them for symptoms of the flu or a bad cold that might last for several weeks. This early stage of HIV infection is sometimes called HIV Syndrome and can include symptoms like fever, headache, fatigue, diarrhea, sore throat, skin rashes and swollen lymph glands.
These symptoms are the same as those that can indicate mononucleosis, sometimes called mono, other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and viral hepatitis.

What Are the Symptoms of Advanced HIV Disease?

If someone becomes infected with HIV, symptoms can increase as the disease progresses. Over time, more severe symptoms may appear and can worsen. If nothing is done, HIV disease often progresses to an AIDS diagnosis in about ten years. And by the time AIDS develops, the immune system has already been severely damaged, opening the door to illnesses that normally don't bother people with healthy immune systems. These illnesses are called opportunistic diseases and some of their symptoms include painful and swollen lymph glands, chills and night sweats, persistent non-productive coughing, shortness of breath, unplanned or rapid weight loss and white spots or sores on the tongue or mouth that don't go away.

If there's a concern about a possible exposure to HIV, it's important to be tested. Symptoms alone are not a reliable way to diagnose HIV infection and taking the HIV test is the only way to be certain of HIV status. Most people who have been recently infected with HIV do not have any signs or symptoms. If the results are HIV negative, there are things that can be done to protect one's self and remain uninfected. If the results are HIV positive, there are also steps that can be taken to maintain good health as well as protect others. There are now many healthcare providers who are knowledgeable about treatments that can help control HIV and keep the immune system strong.