The late stages of human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, infection usually occur 10 years after diagnosis, MayoClinic.com reports. This phase of the illness is characterized by serious symptoms that often meet the definition of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or AIDS. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says these symptoms include a low CD4 lymphocyte count and the presence of opportunistic infections caused by decreased immunity. Advanced symptoms of HIV infection may require medical intervention.
Fever and Night Sweats
Night sweats, an extreme form of perspiration that soaks bed clothes, occur as a result of the disease process and the opportunistic diseases caused by low lymphocyte cell counts in the body. The person may become chilled during the night as he attempts to keep warm during the sweats. These night sweats occur every night during the last stage of the HIV infection, MayoClinic.com indicates.
Fever
Fevers occur frequently during advanced phases of HIV as a result of the opportunistic infections within the body. The body continually tries to fight off infection, but cannot do so because of lack of immunity. Fevers of 100 degrees Fahrenheit and higher may continue for weeks, MayoClinic.com states. The person may feel weak as a result.
Blurred Vision
Blurred vision can occur frequently during the later phases of HIV, MayoClinic.com indicates. Fatigue and dehydration as well as opportunistic infections in the eyes can cause this advanced symptom. Distorted vision may also be experienced. The person may have trouble seeing objects and struggle with activities of daily living.
Breathing Difficulties
Shortness of breath occurs because of HIV-related pneumonia, MayoClinic.com indicates. Breathing difficulties may also occur because of the body’s fatigued state and the stress of the disease on the heart.
Chronic Diarrhea
Chronic diarrhea occurs because of the Kaposi’s tumors in the intestines, American Cancer Society states. These type of tumors, a common sign of advanced HIV, cause bleeding and diarrhea. Severe cramping of the abdomen also may occur along with nausea and vomiting.
Mouth Lesions
Lesions on the tongue and mouth form because of the constant opportunistic infections occurring within the body during advances stages of HIV. Fungal infections can occur in the mouth and elsewhere in the body. These sores may make it difficult for the person to swallow food and there might be a burning sensation in the mouth.
