People may be infected by HIV for years without manifesting symptoms, according the Mayo Clinic. Though the patient has yet to manifest symptoms, HIV is systematically destroying their immune system. The immune system continues to deteriorate until the condition known as AIDS develops. Avert, a UK based charitable organization, has been fighting the spread of HIV and AIDS by being a reliable source of information about the diseases since its founding in 1986. Avert explains that patients who develop AIDS will manifest various symptoms even when receiving antiviral medication.
Opportunistic Illnesses
WrongDiagnosis.com, an online source of health-related material, notes that as AIDS progresses various types of illness, which a normal immune system could fight, may take advantage of the compromised immune response. AIDS patients commonly develop diseases such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, taxoplasmosis, Kaposi's sarcoma, mycobacterium avium complex and PCP, which is an infection caused by a fungus called pneumocystis jiroveci.
Enlarged Lymphatics
According to WrongDiagnosis.com, upon the onset of AIDS, the lymphatic system is enlarged and swollen. While this may also occur at the onset of HIV infection, this is highly likely to recur when the illness progresses to AIDS.
Persistent Mild Fever
The Mayo Clinic notes that upon the onset of AIDS, it is quite common for patients to have fever of about 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius. This fever can often run for several weeks, disappear and then return.
Reduced Weight
It is highly likely that people who develop AIDS will lose a lot of weight. This can be caused by reduced appetite due to a number of other infections such as cryptosporidiosis, which can also cause stomach cramps. Certain kinds of AIDS medications may produce side effects that further exacerbate appetite loss, which can result in reduced weight.
Memory Loss and Reduced Coordination
AIDS patients have compromised immune systems. The Mayo Clinic explains that in this weakened state, people can fall prey to brain-related infections, such as a fungus called Cryptococcus, which may compromise their memory and affect their coordination.
Persistent Yeast Infections
Certain kinds of yeast and other forms of fungal infection may manifest when a person develops AIDS. These may be localized in the genital area or mouth. Although not fatal, this can still be a source of discomfort due itchiness and may also cause fever.
Recurring Skin Irritation
Certain strains of the herpes virus, as well as other kinds of infections, may also beset AIDS patients. These viruses can irritate the skin. Although this skin irritation is not necessarily fatal, it should not go untreated.
Oral Lesions
AIDS patients often have pale lesions inside their mouths, as well as the surrounding areas. WrongDiagnosis.com explains that these could be due to certain kinds of opportunistic infections, such as herpes and candidiasis.
Persistent Diarrhea
Opportunistic illnesses, such as cryptosporidiosis and isosporiasis, have been known to cause severe diarrhea in AIDS patients. The Mayo Clinic notes that these are protozoa, which may be ingested passively via contaminated food or drinks.
Vomiting
Various opportunistic illnesses can cause vomiting, according to the Mayo Clinic. Toxoplasmosis, for example, can infect the brain and cause headaches and vomiting. However, cryptosporidiosis and isosporiasis have also been known to produce similar symptoms.
