Human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, is a sexually transmitted disease that affects both men and women. No cure for HIV exists, and HIV will develop into AIDS over time. Late HIV is considered the HIV stage before the onset of AIDS. For many HIV patients, symptoms are non-existent for up to 10 years or more. Even if no symptoms are present, the patient can spread HIV to other people through fluid exchange. Therefore, "first" symptoms of HIV for some patients may actually be late signs of HIV.
Lymph Nodes
Enlarged lymph nodes are one of the symptoms most HIV patients notice first, according to the Mayo Clinic. The lymph nodes will appear swollen, and the swelling lasts for more than 3 years.
Skin Changes
Another set of late signs of HIV, according to the University of California San Francisco Medical Center, is changes to the patient's skin. Some patients may be afflicted with shingles, which results in rashes or blisters in different parts of the body. Another late sign of HIV is persistent skin rashes or flaky skin. The rashes or flaky skin do not go away, even when treated. HIV patients may also have herpes infections, which results in sores on the mouth, genitals or anus.
Feeling Ill
Many signs of late-term HIV can be confused with other diseases or just feeling ill, according to the University of California San Francisco Medical Center. Persistent low-grade fevers are common, though some patients may have more severe fevers at times. Along with the fevers, HIV patients can also have night sweats. Fatigue and a lack of energy are common. The patient's bowels can be affected and might include frequent diarrhea. Also, according to the Mayo Clinic, HIV patients can experience coughing or a shortness of breath during late HIV.
Additional Symptoms
Female HIV patients can have different symptoms than men. For example, women can develop pelvic inflammatory disease that does not get better with treatment, according to the University of California San Francisco Medical Center. Both male and female HIV patients can suffer from short-term memory loss. Weight loss can also occur as a result of HIV.
