The Human Immunodeficiency Virus, or HIV, is the virus responsible for causing AIDS. Individuals infected with HIV may not have any signs and symptoms initially, or they may mimic symptoms accompanying other illnesses, such as the flu. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms are different depending on the stage and severity of the infection.
Early Symptoms
According to the medical center at the University of California, San Francisco, after contracting HIV, some people will experience what is known as HIV Seroconversion Syndrome. It can occur one to two months after the virus enters the body and has symptoms similar to that of the flu. Diarrhea, fever, headache, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, sore throat and enlarged liver and spleen are common symptoms. These symptoms result as the blood converts to HIV positive status. Some people, according to the National Institutes of Health, don't experience these symptoms for over a year after the initial infection. During this early period, concentrations of HIV in the blood are high, which makes transmission very easy.
Asymptomatic Period
One characteristic of HIV is the complete absence of signs and symptoms for a period of time, which may last for eight to 10 years. This time period can vary between infected people however, with some experiencing much shorter periods without symptoms, and some may go even longer than 10 years.
Signs and Symptoms in Children
Children born to mothers infected with HIV will begin to exhibit symptoms by their second birthday, as stated by the medical center at the University of California, San Francisco. These children will experience frequent illnesses as their immune systems are not able to fight infection. According to the Mayo Clinic, weight gain in these children will be slow and they may have altered mental development compared to other children.
Late Signs and Symptoms
After the asymptomatic period, individuals begin to experience signs and symptoms as the virus grows and affects the immune system. Swollen lymph nodes, persistent cough or shortness of breath, fever and night sweats may occur. Skin rashes, shingles and memory loss can also occur with the progression of the virus. Weight loss is a late sign that the virus has advanced. These symptoms typically occur prior to the progression to AIDS.
