Most symptoms of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection do not appear until an individual has begun to experience the immune deficiency that develops after a long-term infection. This typically happens many years after an initial infection with the virus. On average, the symptoms of immune deficiency appear eight to 10 years after viral infection, but they may not appear for even longer time periods.
Some people experience a flu-like illness at the time of initial infection with HIV. Not all people who become infected will have these symptoms, and it is unclear why some people do and others don't. The initial infection can be mild or very severe and can be accompanied by fever, swollen lymph nodes, joint and muscle aches, and sore throat. Other symptoms can include chills, night sweats, and mouth ulcers. The symptoms and signs of the initial HIV infection have also been compared to infectious mononucleosis.
Typically after years of infection with the virus, symptoms begin to appear that reflect a decreasing immune function due to a decline in the number of CD4 T cells. These symptoms can include recurrent infections, including fungal infection of the mouth (oral thrush) or vagina, rashes, fungal infections of the nails, fatigue, diarrhea, vomiting, leukoplakia of the tongue, and weight loss.
If there is a further decline in immune function, more serious symptoms and signs can develop, such as dementia and cognitive changes, severe weight loss, wasting syndrome, opportunistic infections, and malignant tumors. Some of the opportunistic infections that can occur are cytomegalovirus infection, cryptococcal meningitis, Cryptosporidium diarrhea, Pneumocystic jiroveci pneumonia (previously called Pneumocystic carinii pneumonia or PCP), Toxoplasma encephalitis, tuberculosis, and herpesvirus infections. Malignancies that typically arise as a result of HIV infection include Kaposi's sarcoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Causes of HIV infection
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus transmitted by body fluids. Contact with blood, semen, vaginal fluid, rectal fluids, and breast milk from an infected person can cause infection. In the U.S., HIV infection is usually spread through sexual activity or by sharing needles or syringes. Transmission from a pregnant woman to her fetus is another possible cause of HIV infection.
Other hiv infection symptoms and signs
- Changes in Menstrual Cycle
- Chronic Cough
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty Swallowing
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Fungal Infection of the Mouth and Esophagus
- Fungal Nails
- Groin Swelling
- Headache
- Leukoplakia of the Tongue
- Malaise
- Malignancies
- Mouth Sores
- Night Sweats
- Oral Thrush
- Other Opportunistic Infections
- Rash
- Shortness of Breath
- Sore Throat
- Sweating
- Swollen Lymph Nodes
- Tiredness
- Vaginal Candidiasis
- Vomiting
- Weight Loss
- White Tongue
Main Article on HIV Infection Symptoms and Signs

QUESTION
What is HIV? See AnswerPictures, Images, Illustrations & Quizzes
-
A Timeline of the HIV/AIDS Pandemic
Get a historical overview of the HIV/AIDS pandemic from human contraction to the present through this slideshow of pictures.
-
HIV & AIDS Quiz: HIV Testing & Symptoms
Now, more than ever, you should know about HIV/AIDS, especially its causes, symptoms treatments, and complications. Take the...
-
HIV AIDS Facts: Symptoms and Treatments
What is HIV AIDS (human immunodeficiency virus-acquired immunodeficiency syndrome)? Discover myths and facts about living with...
-
Picture of HIV Lipodystrophy
HIV lipodystrophy describes a constellation of changes in subcutaneous and visceral fat distribution in patients on...
-
Picture of HIV Lipodystrophy Treatment
HIV lipodystrophy describes a constellation of changes in subcutaneous and visceral fat distribution in patients on...
-
Picture of HIV-associated Dementia (HAD)
A 40-year-old woman diagnosed with HIV presented with confusion and decline in memory. See a picture of HIV-associated Dementia...
-
Picture of HIV/AIDS
Acronym for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, the cause of AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). See a picture of HIV/AIDS...
Examples of Medications for HIV Infection Symptoms and Signs
- abacavir, lamivudine, zidovudine, Trizivir
- abacavir, Ziagen
- amprenavir, Agenerase
- atazanavir (Reyataz)
- cidofovir - injection, Vistide
- Combivir (lamivudine and zidovudine)
- darunavir, TMC-114; Prezista
- delavirdine, Rescriptor
- didanosine (Videx, Videx EC)
- efavirenz (Sustiva)
- emtricitabine - oral, Emtriva
- emtricitabine/tenofovir - oral, Truvada
- Enfuvirtide (Fuzeon)
- enfuvirtide - injection, Fuzeon
- Etravirine (Intelence)
- foscarnet sodium - injection, Foscavir
- indinavir, Crixivan
- lamivudine (3tc) (Epivir; Epivir HBV)
- lopinavir and ritonavir, Kaletra
- maraviroc, Selzentry
- nelfinavir, Viracept
- nevirapine (Viramune, Viramune XR)
- raltegravir (Isentress)
- Retrovir (zidovudine, ZDV, formerly called AZT)
- ritonavir (Norvir)
- saquinavir, Invirase (Fortovase - discontinued)
- stavudine, Zerit
- tenofovir - oral, Viread
- Tipranavir (Aptivus)
- Valtrex (valacyclovir) vs. Valcyte (valganciclovir)
- zalcitabine, Hivid - discontinued
From 
Resources for Staying Well
Featured Centers
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Subscribe to MedicineNet's General Health Newsletter
By clicking Submit, I agree to the MedicineNet's Terms & Conditions & Privacy Policy and understand that I may opt out of MedicineNet's subscriptions at any time.