Approximately 25% of people who are infected with the human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, have no symptoms and are not aware they have been infected. According to the CDC, a person can be infected for up to 10 years without experiencing any symptoms. The only way to be sure you have HIV is to be tested for the virus, because symptoms associated with HIV infection can also be due to other conditions.
Flu-like Symptoms
Some of the earliest symptoms of HIV infection can be confused with flu symptoms. HIV infection can cause coughing, fever with night sweats, and diarrhea lasting more than seven days. Lymph glands in the armpits, groin or neck can feel swollen. Feeling exceptionally tired for an extended period of time without an obvious physical cause is also a possible symptom of infection, according to the CDC.
People infected with HIV are most infectious during the time of flu-like symptoms. It may take months for the immune system to respond to the virus and produce antibodies which can be detected with a HIV test.
As HIV infection progresses, opportunistic infections like pneumonia become more common as the immune system becomes impaired. Other common opportunistic infections that can be symptoms of HIV infection, according to the CDC, include Mycobacterium avium complex, cytomegalovirus, tuberculosis, toxoplasmosis, cryptosporidiosis, hepatitis C and human papilloma virus.
Skin Symptoms
Unusual skin blemishes can also be a sign of HIV infection. For instance, white spots or other unusual rashes on the tongue, inside the mouth or in the throat can be associated with HIV infection. HIV infection can also cause red, brown or purplish discoloration on or just under the skin on the tongue, mouth or inside the throat.
Neurological Symptoms
Some mental symptoms of HIV infection can include memory loss, depression, frequent persistent head aches and changes in sensory perception affecting vision or taste.
Pediatric Symptoms
According to MayoClinic.com, children infected with HIV can have problems gaining weight and growing normally. Mental development can be delayed in some children. HIV infection in children can also cause problems with walking. Children with HIV can have more severe versions of common childhood infections like ear infections, pneumonia and tonsillitis.
