AIDS, or acquired immune deficiency syndrome, is a chronic illness caused by the human immunodeficiency virus. AIDS is contracted through contaminated blood products and syringes, sexual contact with an infected person, and through mother-to-child transmission during childbirth. According to Mayo Clinic, during the last phase of HIV--which occurs approximately 10 or more years after the initial infection--more serious symptoms may begin to appear, and the infection may then meet the official definition of AIDS.
Fever and Night Sweats
According to Drugs.com, soaking night sweats and shaking chills or fever higher than 100 F for several weeks can occur during early infection with AIDS. AIDS occurs when the immune system is severely compromised, and the body is unable to fight infection. In an AIDS patient the development of fever is the body's way of trying to fight an infection.
Headache and Blurred Vision
Patients with AIDS may experience headache and blurred vision, states Drugs.com. These symptoms can occur in conjunction with a high fever. AIDS patients should avoid driving or operating machinery while experiencing blurred or distorted vision. Under the supervision of a physician, the use of pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help relieve headache pain and discomfort.
Swollen Lymph Glands and Fatigue
According to Medline Plus, swollen lymph glands and fatigue can occur in a patient with AIDS. Lymph glands can occur at any location throughout the body, but most often will appear in the neck area. They may or may not be tender to touch. The fatigue associated with AIDS can be severe. Patients may experience severe weakness and tire quickly.
Cough and Shortness of Breath
The development of an opportunistic infection--an infection such as Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia that occurs when your immune system is impaired--can occur during AIDS, states Drugs.com. Symptoms of pneumonia include cough and shortness of breath. Fever, chills and night sweats may also occur. AIDS patients should notify their physician in the event that they develop any type of cough or difficulty breathing. Immediate treatment with antibiotics is warranted in an AIDS patient to treat any lung infection.
