Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a communicable disease that can have fatal consequences. The virus replicates within the body and gradually harms the immune system, causing victims to develop serious infections. People with human immunodeficiency virus are considered HIV positive. Testing is available; early diagnosis and treatment allow a healthier life and longer lifespan.
Early Signs
While some patients notice no symptoms until they have been infected with HIV for many years, others develop a flu-like syndrome between two weeks and two months after virus transmission. UCSF Medical Center refers to this as HIV sero-conversion syndrome. Symptoms of this early infection include swollen lymph nodes, feeling ill, poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, muscle aches, fever, sore throat and white patches in the mouth. You may develop a rash on your face, stomach, arms or legs. Pain in the upper left side of your abdomen may indicate an enlarged spleen or pain in the upper right side of your abdomen may indicate liver enlargement. Only one or two of these signs may be present and they may last from a few days to four weeks. Mayo Clinic explains that during this stage, the virus is replicating in your lymph nodes and beginning to destroy some of your white blood cells.
Intermediate Signs
The course of HIV includes a period that typically lasts for around eight years after the initial infection. While this time is considered asymptomatic, some patients notice an increase in mild infections and difficulty breathing, cough, fever, swollen lymph nodes, weight loss and diarrhea.
Advanced Signs
Later signs of HIV develop after the asymptomatic period. For a few patients, this may happen only months after initial transmission of the virus, but it more commonly occurs eight to ten years later. Signs of late stage HIV include frequent skin rashes, skin flaking, swollen lymph nodes, diarrhea, headache, poor energy, weight loss, episodes of shingles, fever with shaking and night sweats. UCSF Medical Center states that short-term memory loss may also occur. Patients may develop painful herpes sores or pelvic inflammatory disease and opportunistic infections. Most patients develop acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) after this stage.
Signs of HIV in Children
Mayo Clinic explains that children with HIV may have more serious consequences from typical childhood illnesses such as tonsillitis or ear infections. Other signs include difficulty walking and developmental delays. They often weigh less than their peers.
