Early detection of the HIV virus can significantly increase treatment options and decrease the spread of HIV/AIDS. From children to heterosexual and homosexual persons who may have been exposed to the virus, testing is important and should be obtained immediately. For a complete list of early-, middle- and late-stage HIV symptoms, contact your physician. The following is a summary of mild HIV symptoms with information regarding early, middle and late infection. While the list provided herein is accurate and up-to-date, it is not comprehensive and should not be taken as the only source for HIV/AIDS information.
Early Symptoms
Early symptoms of HIV can vary, but upon infection many patients describe an onset of flu-like symptoms including fever, headache, sore throat, swollen lymph glands and rash. These early symptoms can persist for a period of two to four weeks. During this period, the immune system will slowly come under attack and ultimately see a decrease in helper T cells (CD4 lymphocytes) as a result.
White Blood Cells
White blood cells are used to fight viral and bacterial infections in the body. However, when the immune system becomes compromised as a result of the HIV virus, white blood cells become fewer in number. Over time (approximately eight to nine years), the immune system becomes so defeated and compromised that an increased number of mild symptoms occur as the body fails to fight the HIV virus and the white blood cell count drops more and more.
Mild Symptoms
According to the Mayo Clinic, mild symptoms include swollen lymph nodes (often one of the first signs of HIV infection), diarrhea, weight loss, fever, coughing and shortness of breath. These symptoms mark a significant depletion of immune cells and the advancement of the HIV virus. As the HIV virus continues to break down the immune system, destroying T cells and creating opportunities for infection, mild symptoms will continue to affect the body.
Final Phase of HIV
The final phase of infection brings the most significant depletion of the immune system and total advancement of the virus. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms generally start 10 years after infection and can include soaking night sweats, shaking chills or fever higher than 100 Fahrenheit (38 Celsium) for several weeks, dry cough and shortness of breath, chronic diarrhea, persistent white spots or unusual lesions on the tongue or in the mouth, headaches, blurred and distorted vision and weight loss.
AIDS
During the final phase of infection, the HIV virus has progressed to AIDS and the body is at its most weakened state. Many of the symptoms that occur are the result of opportunistic infections. Other symptoms include persistent, unexplained fatigue, swelling of the lymph nodes for more than three months, and persistent headaches. It is important to note that some of these symptoms are associated with cancers that are common during late-stage HIV.
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