The World Health Organization estimates 25 million people have died worldwide from AIDS. The National Institutes of Health reports advances in medicine and treatment have increased the life expectancy of those with AIDS from 12 years to 24 years after diagnosis. With early detection, proper medical care and the right medication, experts believe the life expectancy of someone with AIDS may approach those of people without the disease.
Primary Signs of HIV
According to MayoClinic.com, some people develop flu-like symptoms two to four weeks after initial HIV infection. This is known as primary HIV infection and may include symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue and rash. Although these symptoms usually disappear within a month, the disease is highly infectious during this period.
Earliest Signs of HIV
HIV may remain symptom free in the body for years. During this asymptomatic period, the virus continues to reproduce and damage the immune system. MedlinePlus reports that as the disease strengthens, infections and symptoms such as swollen glands, diarrhea, weight loss, cough and shortness of breath may develop. Other symptoms of HIV infection include frequent headache, muscle aches and sore throat.
Earliest Signs of AIDS
As the immune system becomes weaker, infections that develop tend to be more severe. According to MayoClinic.com, HIV typically progresses to AIDS in about 10 years. In the United States, people are diagnosed with AIDS when their CD4 T-helper cells fall below a count of 200. The earliest signs and symptoms of AIDS are typically symptoms resulting from opportunistic infections, or infections that wouldn't normally appear in a healthy person. MedlinePlus reports that common symptoms include chills, night sweats and weight loss. According to MayoClinic.com, additional early signs of AIDS include prolonged low-grade fever, persistent white spots in the mouth and under the tongue, blurred and distorted vision and skin rash or bumps.
