Stages of HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS progresses in clearly defined stages, according to the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. Because the early stages are often asymptomatic, testing is critically important to maintaining health. The earlier testing is completed in an infected person, the earlier appropriate treatment and HIV/AIDS precautions can be introduced.

Acute HIV Infection

The first stage, referred to as primary HIV infection or acute HIV infection, is when the virus takes hold in an infected person's body. On average, this stage lasts for a week or two. Those who are infected may feel flu-like symptoms, including chills, nigh sweats, rashes and a fever. This occurs for about 70 percent of those infected, according to the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. During this stage, HIV enters the lymph nodes and begins to replicate. The replication is rapid and lasts for about two months, releasing active virus into the bloodstream. It is difficult at this stage to test positive for HIV, as the body's immune response of producing antibodies--which is what the test detects--has not yet occurred.

Seroconversion

During seroconversion, an infected person's immune system begins to create antibodies in response to the presence of the virus. This stage can take between one to six months after exposure. Testing at this stage may still produce a false negative, depending on the time it takes an infected person's body to produce antibodies. For the most accurate results, the San Francisco AIDS Foundation recommends testing at three months and again at six months.

Asymptomatic Stage

At this stage, an infected person may look and feel entirely healthy. There are only two indications of infection: a positive HIV test and the potential for swollen lymph nodes. This stage can last for years. During this time, however, the virus is actively attacking the immune system. The damage is often undetected until blood tests show the result. Active management using HIV/AIDS medications is critical to minimize the damage wrought by the virus. Any sexual contact should include barrier methods to prevent spread of the disease as well.

Early and Medium Stage HIV

At this stage, the immune system is compromised and infected persons begin to experience early symptoms. These symptoms include fatigue, weight loss (typically only a small amount), night sweats, ulcers in the mouth, rashes and fungal infections of the skin and mouth.

Late Stage HIV (AIDS)

Late stage HIV is characterized by so-called opportunistic illnesses. The term "opportunistic" is used as the infections do not normally cause illness in a healthy immune individual. It's a sign that damage to the immune system is severe in the infected person. The most common infections are a type of pneumonia, bacterial infections, yeast infections and toxoplasmosis.