The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that an estimated 44,000 new cases of human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, are diagnosed each year. The most effective medical approach to prolonging the development of acquired immune deficiency syndrome, or AIDS, involves early aggressive treatment of HIV as soon as it is diagnosed, a strategy shown in studies to significantly decrease the death rate, according to a 2009 article published online by "Time" magazine. In later HIV stages, as it becomes full blown AIDS, medical attention can prolong the life of someone infected. The importance of recognizing indicators of both HIV and AIDS can, therefore, be critical.
Flu-like Symptoms
MayoClinic.com reports that it's common for those exposed to HIV to experience flu-like symptoms two to four weeks after infection. The symptoms can range from mild to severe and include fever, headache and a sore throat. Some people exposed to the virus will never experience any of these symptoms.
Flu-like symptoms worsen or return as HIV becomes AIDS and can include chills and a fever of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit for a period of a week or longer.
Persistent Enlarged Lymph Nodes
Lymph nodes protect the body from viruses and other infections, and they can be among the first indicators of an HIV infection. Swollen lymph nodes may indicate any number of less serious infections, but if there is general lymph node swelling throughout the body and no apparent cause of infection, an HIV test should be administered, according to GeorgiaHealthInfo.gov.
In later-stage HIV infections, lymph nodes may swell for long periods of time, commonly for three months or more. This indicates a strong possibility that AIDS has developed, states MayoClinic.com.
Skin Changes
Soon after a person is exposed to HIV, a skin rash may arise. The Australasian College of Dermatologists describes this rash as measles-like. Red spots appear on the face, upper body and neck, and they might be itchy. The palms of the hands may peel as well. Ulcers can also appear on the genitals or in the mouth. A rash may not be a sure sign of HIV infection, but if it occurs in conjunction with flu-like symptoms and enlarged lymph nodes, HIV testing should occur.
An indicator that AIDS is developing is white spots on the tongue or in the mouth that will not go away, as well as other unusual lesions in those locations.
