What Are the Symptoms of HIV?

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