Human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, can cause a serious, incurable infection in the human body. In 2007, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases estimated that 33 million people throughout the world were living with HIV or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)---the advanced form of HIV. Though there is no cure for HIV/AIDS, there are a number of treatment strategies available to help manage symptoms and limit the progression of the disease. Speak with your doctor if you develop any of the common signs of HIV infection.
Fever
Two to 6 weeks after you have been exposed to HIV, you can develop fever. Fever is your body's natural immune response to infection, as a higher body temperature creates an inhospitable environment for the virus. A fever caused by HIV will typically resolve on its own within a month of onset. Once HIV symptoms go into remission, they may not reemerge for up to 10 or more years. Patients with HIV who are asymptomatic (do not experience symptoms) are still at risk of spreading the disease to other people. When symptoms arise again during the later stages of infection, you can experience a moderate- to high-grade fever for several weeks, according to the Mayo Clinic. A body temperature above 100.4 degrees can also contribute to symptoms such as persistent headaches, night sweats or chills.
Rash
During the early stages of HIV infection, patients with this condition can develop a rash across the skin. Your skin may appear red, inflamed or irritated and can become dry or itchy due to HIV infection. Such symptoms typically resolve within a month of onset.
Swollen Lymph Glands
Your lymph glands are a part of your immune system and act to filter pathogens out of your blood. If you have HIV, your lymph glands can become enlarged and swollen due to this infection. You can experience pain or tenderness within your lymph glands, which are located within the neck, groin, chest and arms. Swollen lymph glands may be the very first symptom you experience after you are exposed to HIV. In the later stages of this disease, your lymph nodes can become persistently swollen, which can contribute to additional symptoms of sore throat, fatigue and malaise.
Chronic Diarrhea
In the later stages of HIV infection, you can develop chronic gastrointestinal symptoms due to this disease. Symptoms can include chronic diarrhea, nausea or vomiting.
Weight Loss
As HIV progresses, gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea can cause decreased appetite in patients. This can result in significant weight loss. The AIDS.gov website, which is managed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, explains that when HIV progresses to AIDS, patients can develop a condition called wasting syndrome. Wasting syndrome is diagnosed when a patient experiences fever, diarrhea, or weakness for longer than 30 days in conjunction with the involuntary loss of at least 10 percent of his body weight.
