HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) causes destruction of cells in the body that fight off diseases. An HIV-infected person becomes more susceptible to bacteria, viruses, fungi and other diseases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 56,000 people contracted HIV in 2006. Transmission of HIV occurs through sexual intercourse, sharing of needles, blood transfusions, accidental needle sticks and from mother to child during birth. AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) typically occurs in the later stages of HIV.
Initial Flu-Like Symptoms
The CDC reports some people suffer from flu-like symptoms several weeks after an HIV infection. A person may suffer from a headache or fever. Swollen lymph nodes on the neck, groin or under the arms may be present. The throat may feel irritated or scratchy.
Symptom Free
Still, others may not experience symptoms after an infection occurs. According to the Mayo Clinic, a person may have no HIV symptoms for eight to nine years. Though a person may not experience any symptoms of HIV, he should take medications to improve the immune system, regardless. Even when no symptoms are present, a person may still infect others with HIV, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Mild Chronic Symptoms
As the body's immune system continues to be affected by HIV, additional symptoms may occur. The Mayo Clinic reports a person may suffer from weight loss and diarrhea. Shortness of breath and a slight cough may be present, as well as a fever.
Late Stage Symptoms
AIDS commonly develops about 10 years after the initial transmission. Night sweats are common in these late stage symptoms. A person may suffer from the chills or bouts of fever for several weeks at a time. Mild chronic symptoms such as diarrhea and shortness of breath continue and are present for longer periods. Headaches and weight loss continues. A person may continue to feel tired even when getting enough nightly sleep. Oral thrush, or candidiasis, causes white lesions on the tongue or in the mouth to occur. A person infected with HIV has an increased risk of suffering from specific cancers, including Kaposi's sarcoma and cervical cancer, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Testing
HIV tests detect antibodies to the virus, and it may take several weeks for the initial antibodies to develop. According to the CDC, antibodies take about two to eight weeks to develop with the average being 25 days. The CDC points out 97 percent of HIV positive patients develop antibodies within three months; however, in some rare cases antibodies may not develop for six months. The most common HIV test uses blood to detect the condition. Results may be read as soon as 20 minutes or several days, depending on the test. Other tests using saliva and urine are also available, but are not as commonly used. A person with a positive HIV result is almost always told in person during a medical appointment.
