What Are the Symptoms of HIV?

Q: What Are the Symptoms of HIV?

Early HIV: flu-like symptoms 2-4 weeks after infection (fever, rash, sore throat). Then no symptoms for years. Testing is the only way to know.

HIV symptoms vary by stage. Many people have no symptoms for years.

Acute HIV (2–4 weeks after infection)

Fever
Rash (trunk)
Sore throat
Swollen lymph nodes
Muscle aches
Headache
Night sweats

Clinical Latency (years)

NO symptoms
Virus continues to damage immune system
Can last 10+ years without treatment

AIDS (without treatment)

Opportunistic infections
Certain cancers
Severe weight loss
CD4 below 200

Bottom Line

Symptoms are unreliable — many are flu-like
Testing is the only way to know
Annual testing recommended

Source: CDC, American Sexual Health Association.

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