List of HIV Symptoms

HIV is a virus that infects the immune cells of the patient. Specifically, HIV attacks T cells, which are cells that destroy infectious diseases. HIV is asymptomatic in the first few months of infection, so people should always use protection during sexual activity even if their partner appears healthy.

Early Infection

• Patients infected with HIV may be asymptomatic, but if symptoms are present, they are mild. Similar to a cold or the flu, patients may experience fever, cough or stuffy nose.

Lymph Nodes

• As the body attempts to clear the infection, lymph nodes in the neck, armpits and groin swell.

Anorexia

• Patients lose their appetite and have poor eating habits. This leads to weight loss in HIV-infected patients.

Late Stages

• Late stages of HIV infection may not occur for years. Patients are characterized as late stage AIDS when opportunistic diseases penetrate and cause advanced illness.

Pneumonia

• One of the most common opportunistic diseases in late stage HIV infections is pneumonia. Bacteria that is normally found in the lungs cause infection and cause breathing problems in AIDS patients.