AIDS is the advanced form of a disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus or HIV. This disease, which is also referred to as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States among patients aged 25 to 44, according to MedlinePlus, a health information website established by the National Institutes of Health. While not all HIV-positive patients develop AIDS, the beginning symptoms of AIDS mimic early HIV infection symptoms.
Fever, Chills and Sweating
Infection caused by HIV can lead to the development of fever in patients with HIV/AIDS, warns MayoClinic.com. A fever is a natural response generated by the body's immune system to help prevent the spread of HIV throughout the body. An elevated body temperature can cause AIDS patients to experience chills, excessive sweating or headache as additional beginning symptoms of this disease. Patients who develop fever should seek additional care from a medical professional as this beginning symptom of AIDS can also be a sign of an alternate infection or condition.
Swollen Lymph Glands
In humans, the lymph glands serve to remove waste or pathogenic substances from the bloodstream. Patients with AIDS can develop severely swollen or enlarged lymph glands as a result of HIV infection, reports MedlinePlus. These beginning symptoms of infection can affect the lymph glands within the neck, groin or underarms. Lymph gland enlargement is typically painless but can persist for several days, weeks or months in patients with AIDS.
Sore Throat
Patients with AIDS can develop sore throat symptoms during this beginning stage of this disease, explains Aurora Health Care. A sore throat can cause difficulty swallowing and may contribute to appetite loss in certain patients. The throat can appear unusually red, swollen or inflamed due to AIDS. Certain patients can also develop a dry cough in addition to sore throat symptoms.
Rash
A skin rash can occur as a beginning symptom of AIDS in certain patients, reports MedlinePlus. Affected patients can develop red, irritated patches of skin across their body that can appear dry or may begin to itch. Skin rash symptoms may become worse over time or may disappear entirely for a period of time in patients with AIDS. Patients who develop any type of skin rash after engaging in sexual activities should seek medical care as these beginning symptoms of AIDS can also be signs of alternate sexually transmitted diseases.
