What are HIV/AIDS Symptoms?
Most individuals infected with HIV have no symptoms and feel well. Some develop symptoms that my include tiredness, fever, loss of appetite and weight, diarrhea, night sweats, and swollen glands (lymph nodes) – usually in the neck, armpits, or groin. Anyone who has these symptoms for more than two weeks should see a doctor. The time between infection with the virus and the onset of symptoms of AIDS (the incubation period) ranges from a few months to ten years or more. Infected persons can spread the virus during the incubation period. Early (weeks to months after exposure) • Flu-like illness • Swollen lymph nodes Late (years after exposure) • Persistent fevers • Night sweats • Prolonged diarrhea • Unexplained weight loss • Purple bumps on skin or inside mouth and nose • Chronic fatigue • Swollen lymph nodes • Recurrent respiratory infections Note: These symptoms are not specific for HIV and may have other causes. Most persons with HIV have no symptoms at all for several years.
