Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) damages the immune system by destroying specialized white blood cells that protect the body from infection. HIV causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). According to the Centers for Disease Control and prevention (CDC), progression of HIV is slow and it may take decades to develop symptoms of AIDS.
After 2 Weeks
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), patients experience symptoms 2 to 4 weeks after initial exposure to HIV. Clinical symptoms are similar to the flu. Patients experience fever, headache, sore throat, body aches, swollen lymph nodes and skin rashes.
After 10 Years
NIH states that HIV patients may begin to experience clinical symptoms of HIV infection after living symptom-free for 10 years. Patients experience symptoms such as persistent generalized swollen glands, persistent fever, night sweats, weight loss, diarrhea, peripheral neuropathy, herpes zoster, fungal infections, seborrheic dermatitis, candidiasis and hairy leukoplakia.
After 12 Years
According to NIH, it may take 12 years for HIV positive patients to develop symptoms of AIDS. After 12 years, the immune system is usually completely destroyed by HIV and the body is overwhelmed by severe illnesses known as opportunistic infections. Patients develop AIDS symptoms such as pneumocystis carinii, candiadiasis of the esophagus, Kaposi's sarcoma, wasting syndrome, tuberculosis, mycobacterium avium complex and AIDS dementia.
