HIV, also known as the human immunodeficiency virus, refers to a chronic and potentially fatal disease in which a person's immune system is weakened. The immune system is responsible for fighting infection. The Mayo Clinic says that typical HIV symptoms include a sore throat, a fever, a headache, a rash and swollen lymph glands. Various medications such as zidovudine, indinavir and nevirapine can reduce the progression of HIV. Left untreated, HIV complications can result.
Pneumonia
HIV can make people susceptible to pneumonia, a type of infection in the lung. The University of Maryland Medical Center says that pneumonia affects 5 to 10 million people within the United States annually. It says that specific pneumonia symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, a cough that is productive of phlegm, a rapid heartbeat and muscle aches. In some instances, pneumonia can lead to weight loss, bloody sputum, a high fever and a fast heart rate. Pneumonia's treatment involves drinking plenty of fluids, taking pain relievers or antibiotic medications to eliminate the bacteria. Left untreated, pneumonia can lead to abscesses, respiratory failure or bacteria in the blood.
Tuberculosis
The Mayo Clinic says that tuberculosis is the most opportunistic infection that is linked to HIV. Tuberculosis kills 2 million people in the United States annually. Specific symptoms of tuberculosis include night sweats, a fever, fatigue, chills, coughing up blood and chest pain with breathing. Left untreated, tuberculosis can lead to lung damage, meningitis and severe pain. Typical treatment options for tuberculosis include taking such medications as rifampin, isoniazid or ethambutol.
Kaposi's Sarcoma
Kaposi's sarcoma refers to a type of cancer that develops in the moist mucus membranes of the anus, mouth or nose. The University of Maryland Medical Center says that specific symptoms of Kaposi's sarcoma include flat or painless lesions that typically occur on the skin. They can be purple, red or blue in color. Treating Kaposi's sarcoma involves surgically removing the lesion or using chemotherapy or radiation to eliminate this cancer.
