According to the Mayo Clinic, AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), is a life-threatening condition caused by HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). AIDS is a result of the damage done to your immune system over a period of time by HIV, which affects your body's ability to defend itself against bacteria and viruses. Dr. Ann K. Avery, Assistant Professor of the Infectious Diseases Division at the MetroHealth Medical Center has stated on NetWellness.org that there are no reliable or specific symptoms of HIV; the only sure way to determine infection is to be tested. According to Dr. Avery, even though there are no specific symptoms, there are warning signs to watch for.
Beginning Stages
The symptoms of HIV will vary according to the stage of the infection. With the initial infection, you may experience nothing more than flu-like symptoms, which can easily be confused for the flu or a variety of other conditions. These symptoms include swollen glands, sore throat, fever and a headache.
Later Stages
As years pass by, the virus continues to multiply and destroy the backbone of your immune system--your T cells and white blood cells. It is possible to live for 8 years or more with HIV and still show no symptoms, however as your immune system breaks down, symptoms will become more prevalent. Soon you may begin to experience coughing and shortness of breath, diarrhea, weight loss and fever.
Advanced Stages
As you enter into the more advanced stages of HIV, your symptoms will become more severe. This generally occurs 10 years or more after becoming infected, and if the symptoms meet the criteria set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the virus may be redefined as AIDS. This criteria is as follows: A positive test for the HIV-antibody in addition to either a T cell count of 200 or less, or the presence of an infection due to an impaired immune system.
Dr. Avery states the following are symptoms of advanced HIV, which may be redefined as AIDS, according to the CDC criteria. These include neurological disorders such as memory loss and depression, diarrhea that lasts longer than a week, extreme and inexplicable fatigue, rapid weight loss, recurring fever with excessive night sweats, swollen lymph glands in your neck, armpits and groin, white spots in your mouth or on your tongue and pneumonia.
