HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, is a sexually transmitted disease that attacks the patient's immune system. The Mayo Clinic states that the virus is in the patient's body for eight or nine years before symptoms appear; at this point, the patient develops infections and chronic symptoms due to the weakened immune system. Advanced HIV is the last stage of HIV before the onset of AIDS (autoimmune deficiency syndrome). The Mayo Clinic adds that patients with advanced HIV have a CD4 lymphocyte count of 200 or under; normal count is between 800 and 1,200.
Skin Discolorations
Epigee states that a patient with advanced HIV has noticeable changes to her skin. One symptom is a body rash with no other apparent cause; this rash can occur anywhere on the patient's body. The patient may also have purple-colored lesions, which appear either on the patient's skin or the inside of her mouth; these lesions are hallmark physical symptoms of HIV. The Mayo Clinic adds that the patient may have swollen lymph nodes, which is one of the first noticeable symptoms of HIV.
Yeast Infections
Yeast infections are another symptom of advanced HIV. Epigee notes that yeast infections can occur in the patient's genital region, or in the patient's mouth, a condition known as thrush. These yeast infections are chronic, so the patient can have frequent infections in a short period of time.
Additional Symptoms
The other symptoms of advanced HIV result in the patient often feeling sick. Epigee states that the patient can have a fever during the day or night sweats while sleeping. Periodically, the patient may experience extreme exhaustion, which can make it difficult to perform daily activities. Chronic diarrhea and weight loss are other symptoms of advanced HIV. The Mayo Clinic adds that the patient may also have a cough or a shortness of breath.
