HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, is the virus that is the cause of AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). HIV attacks the immune system by destroying a certain type of white blood cells that are responsible for fighting infections. These white blood cellsare called CD4 positive (CD4+) cells. Because of the effects of HIV on white blood cells, people with HIV are susceptible to other infections and diseases. AIDS is the final stage of an HIV infection. A person's white blood cell count is not considered dangerously low until it is lower than 200 cells per cubic milliliter of blood.
Early Signs
The National Library of Medicine notes that the early signs of an HIV infection occur before the appearance of certain cancers and opportunistic infections and include persistent fever, fatigue or diarrhea, sweating that is considered excessive, including night sweats, joint pain and a general feeling of discomfort or a lack of well-being. There can also be loss of weight, swollen lymph glands and herpes infections that keep returning.
Mouth Disorders
Certain mouth disorders are early signs of an HIV infection. These mouth disorders include gingivitis, which is a form of periodontal disease characterized by swelling of the gums, and oral thrush, which is a yeast infection of the mucous membranes of the mouth and tongue. Leukoplakia is another mouth disorder that can be an early sign of an HIV infection. Leukoplakia is a precancerous lesion.
Skin Disorders
Some skin disorders can be early indications of an HIV infection. These skin disorders include fungal infections of the skin, toenails or fingernails. Seborrheic dermatitis, a condition that causes scales to form on the oily areas of skin such as the scalp or inside the ear, is another indication of an HIV infection. These scales are white to yellowish in color. Molluscum contagiosum is another skin disorder that can be an indication of an HIV infection. Molluscum contagiosum is a skin disorder characterized by raised nodules that are pearl-like on the skin.
