What are the major symptoms of HIV and AIDS?
Symptoms of HIV/AIDS The list of signs and symptoms mentioned in various sources for HIV/AIDS includes the 87 symptoms listed below: * The initial phase of HIV infection occurs briefly, usually a month or two after exposure: o No early symptoms – some people notice no early infection symptoms o Flu-like symptoms o Fever o Headache o Tiredness o Enlarged lymph nodes * Latent HIV phase – The latent phase of HIV can last from months to a decade, but is typically several years to more than 10 years. o No early symptoms – this phase of HIV does not cause any or many noticable symptoms o Swollen lymph glands * Early AIDS symptoms – Early progression of HIV to AIDS has various symptoms: o Fatigue o Lack of energy o Weight loss o Frequent low-grade fevers o Night sweats o Frequent yeast infections (oral or vaginal) o Vaginal yeast infections o Bacterial vaginosis o Abnormal PAP smears o Genital ulcers – not necessarily from herpes o Persistent skin rashes o Flaky skin o Pelvic inflammatory dis
Symptoms Early After Infection – Acute HIV – In emergency departments and family practice offices, people come in with symptoms like fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, sore throat, rash and diarrhea. In response to these symptoms, physicians diagnose the flu and send the patient on their way. In the majority of cases, their diagnosis proves correct. But unfortunately, a number of people with these vague, indistinct symptoms have a more serious illness than the flu; these symptoms may signal the acute stages of HIV infection. * Acute HIV – Recognize the Symptoms Symptoms of the Immune System – The immune system is the body’s natural defense against invading foreign agents such as viruses and bacteria. HIV attacks the immune system, weakening it and making the body more susceptible to infection. After infection, some symptoms affect the immune system. * Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, axilla, or groin (lymphadenopathy) * Fever / night sweats Symptoms of the GI Tract – HIV can have
