Infection with the human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, results in significant damage to an individual's immune system, ultimately resulting in the development of AIDS. MayoClinic.com indicates that approximately 39.5 million people worldwide are currently infected with HIV. Relying on the development of symptoms following infection with HIV, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, is not an accurate means to learn of an infection as many do not develop symptoms for almost 10 years or more. A test for HIV infection conducted by a medical professional is the only way to know for sure if an individual is infected. There are, however, symptoms that may indicate HIV, some manifesting at different stages of infection.
Early Symptoms
MedlinePlus indicates that within the first month following infection with HIV, flu-like symptoms may develop. These symptoms may include a decreased appetite, persistent fatigue, fever, headache, body stiffness and ache, rash, sore throat, swollen lymph glands and ulcers located in the mouth and esophagus. Other symptoms that may manifest in the early stages of HIV, according to another MedlinePlus source, include persistent diarrhea, excessive sweating, a recurrent case of shingles, mouth disorders, loss of muscle control, skin disorders and weight loss. Many of these symptoms may only persist for a few days and then disappear. The CDC warns that all of these symptoms are not definitive signs of HIV, as they manifest from many other illnesses. Individuals concerned about HIV infection should immediately see a medical professional.
Later Symptoms
As the virus continues to multiply in the body and causes increased damage to the immune system, other warning signs of infection may emerge. MayoClinic.com indicates that individuals may succumb to mild infections or develop chronic symptoms, including swollen lymph nodes, diarrhea, weight loss, fever, cough and shortness of breath. Weight loss may become rapid, warns the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and may include other symptoms as well. Many symptoms may be similar to warning signs found in early stages of infection. Other symptoms may include sores located on the mouth, anus or genitals, pneumonia, and the discoloration of skin located inside the mouth, nose or eyelids. Individuals with an advanced HIV infection may, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, develop memory loss, depression or some other neurological disorders.
Late Phase Symptoms
Late phase HIV infection, MayoClinic.com indicates, occurs about 10 or more years following initial infection. At this juncture the infected individual may meet the diagnostic criteria for AIDS, which consists of a positive HIV antibody test and one other indicator. These indicators include the presence of an opportunistic infection and a "CD4 lymphocyte count of 200 or less." Warning signs of the development of AIDS involve evidence of symptoms associated with an infection, such as chills or high fever, chronic diarrhea and blurred and distorted vision. Advanced stage HIV symptoms, according to the MayoClinic.com, include "persistent, unexplained fatigue," extreme night sweats, persistent swelling of the lymph nodes exceeding a span of three months or more and persistent headaches. Additionally, MayoClinic.com indicates that infection with HIV increases susceptibility to the development of cancer.
