When does symptoms of HIV start to appear?

The symptoms of HIV can vary widely depending on the stage of the infection. In some cases, people may experience no symptoms for many years, while in others, symptoms may appear within a few weeks or months of infection.

The initial stage of HIV infection, known as acute HIV infection or seroconversion illness, typically occurs within 2 to 4 weeks after infection. During this stage, people may experience flu-like symptoms, such as:

* Fever

* Chills

* Fatigue

* Muscle aches

* Joint pain

* Headache

* Sore throat

* Swollen lymph nodes

* Rash

These symptoms usually last for a few weeks and may come and go. Some people may mistake them for the flu or another viral illness and may not realize they have HIV.

After the initial stage, many people enter a period of clinical latency, during which they may have no symptoms or very mild symptoms. This stage can last for many years, and some people may not develop any serious illnesses during this time.

However, as HIV progresses, the virus can damage the immune system and lead to a variety of illnesses and conditions, known as opportunistic infections and cancers. Symptoms of these conditions can vary depending on the specific illness or cancer. Some common symptoms include:

* Weight loss

* Persistent cough

* Diarrhea

* Fever

* Night sweats

* Fatigue

* Skin rashes or lesions

* Vision problems

* Neurological problems, such as memory loss, confusion, or seizures

It's important to note that not everyone with HIV will develop all of these symptoms, and the course of the infection can vary widely from person to person. Early diagnosis and treatment of HIV can help slow the progression of the infection and prevent or delay the development of serious illnesses.