The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a type of virus that causes the progressive destruction of the immune system. In 2007, the World Health Organization estimated that 33.2 million people throughout the world were living with HIV. If you have been exposed to HIV, seek further medical evaluation and care as soon as possible---even if you do not develop the most common HIV symptoms.
Flu-like Symptoms
If you are infected by HIV, you can develop flu-like symptoms as a sign of this virus. Flu-like symptoms can include fever, extreme fatigue, muscle or joint pain, chills or a sore throat. These symptoms can emerge within 2 to 4 weeks following exposure to HIV, explain health professionals at AIDS.gov, an informational AIDS website provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The severity of flu-like symptoms experienced by patients with HIV can vary from mild to severe and may resolve during the latent stage of this infection---which may last up to 10 years.
Weight Loss
Exposure to HIV can cause you to experience weight loss. This virus can cause your muscle tissue to degrade, leading to the loss of a significant amount of muscle mass--a condition called wasting syndrome. You can lose more than 10 percent of your body weight due to HIV infection, which may also contribute to symptoms of fatigue or flu-like symptoms.
Swollen Lymph Glands
The lymph glands (also called lymph nodes) within your body help to filter waste products---including viruses and bacteria---out of your blood. If you have HIV, you lymph glands will begin removing this virus from your blood, which can cause these small glands of tissue to become swollen. When this occurs, you may notice that the lymph nodes within your neck, underarms or groin become enlarged or tender to the touch, explain health professionals at the Department of Health in Victoria, Australia. This common HIV symptom can be accompanied by fatigue or muscle or joint pain in some patients.
Oral Sores
You can develop painful skin lesions or ulcers within your mouth or throat if you have been exposed to HIV. If this occurs, you may notice the appearance of white or unusual patches of skin along your tongue, gums or throat. These common HIV symptoms can contribute to a decreased appetite or sore throat.
Skin Rash
Patients with HIV can develop a painless skin rash that is a common symptom of this infection. Abnormal marks or bumps can appear across your body, which may be red or purple in color.
