HIV is the virus responsible for causing the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). AVERT, the international AIDS charity, estimates that as of June 2010, more than one million people are living with HIV in the US. It is often not possible to diagnose HIV on the basis of symptoms. This is because HIV symptoms are very similar to the symptoms of many other illnesses. Furthermore, AVERT warns that people infected with the HIV virus may have no symptoms and feel and look as though they are in good health. (See Reference 1). However, according to Mayo Clinic, the symptoms or warning signs of HIV vary depending on the phase of infection. (See Reference 2).
Early Infection
Once the HIV virus enters the human body, the immune system immediately becomes vulnerable as the virus multiplies in lymph nodes and begins to destroy CD4 lymphocytes, which are white blood cells responsible for fighting infection. According to Mayo Clinic, when an individual is first infected with HIV it is likely that he or she will not experience any signs or symptoms. However Mayo Clinic says that two to four weeks following infection, a person may develop flu-like symptoms such as a sore throat, high fever and headache. (See Reference 2). According to AVERT, 20 percent of patients regard these symptoms as serious enough to warrant a visit the doctor, but a diagnosis of HIV is often missed at this stage. (See Refererence 3).
Later Symptoms
According to Mayo Clinic, an individual infected with the HIV virus may not develop any symptoms even eight or nine years following infection. However, as the virus continues to destroy CD4 lymphocytes in the body, a number of symptoms may gradually start to surface. These include unexplained weight loss and a persistent cough. (See Reference 2). AVERT also says that other symptoms may arise, including herpes and fungal nail infections. Patients may also suffer from dermatological conditions such as seborrhoeic dermatitis, which is an inflammatory skin disorder that affects the scalp. (See Reference 3).
End-Stage Symptoms
During the last phase of HIV infection, which according to Mayo Clinic occurs around 10 or more years after initial infection, significant symptoms may appear. At this stage, HIV-infected individuals will be susceptible to opportunistic infections such as pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP). (See Reference 2). PCP is a is a life-threatening lung infection that may also affect the eyes, ears, skin and liver. If PCP is not treated, it can seriously impair the lungs' ability to transport oxygen into the blood, which may lead to death. (See Reference 4). At this stage of infection, patients may be more susceptible to certain forms of cancer such as Kaposi's sarcoma, cervical cancer and lymphoma. (See Reference 2).
