Some symptoms appear in the early stages of HIV, while others show up in later stages.
Some people develop AIDS a few years after infection, while others remain symptom-free for 10 years or longer.
What Is ARS?
Illustration by Michela Buttignol for Verywell Health
You may get tired much faster than usual and you may feel out of breath even after light activity.
You may experience a persistent headache that can range from mild to severe.
Headache and fatigue can also be symptoms of later-stage HIV.
U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health
Thelymph nodesof the armpits, neck, groin, or behind the ear may get bigger.
Sometimes, the swelling is very noticeable.
Swollen lymph nodes may hurt or be tender to the touch.
Sol Silverman, Jr., D.D.S. / Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Lymphadenopathyis also common with opportunistic infections liketuberculosisand HIV-associated cancers.
AnHIV rashlooks a certain way: large areas of flat, reddened skin peppered with tiny bumps.
The rash can be itchy or painful.
It often occurs alongsideflu-like symptoms.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
GI symptoms can be present in many other illnesses, but they typically resolve quickly.
If you have persistent nausea and vomiting or diarrhea, confirm you stay hydrated and see your healthcare provider.
Sol Silverman, Jr., D.D.S.
Night sweats can have causes other than HIV, and some of them are not as serious as others.
For example,menopausecommonly causes night sweats but many types ofcancercan as well.
The condition is also calledHIV wasting syndrome.
Wasting is mainly seen in people who have not been treated for HIV.
Other causes of wasting includemalnutrition,chronic diarrhea,tuberculosis, andcancerall of which require urgent diagnosis and treatment.
Females living with HIV are also at an increased risk ofpelvic inflammatory diseaseand cervical cancer.
Some STIs likesyphilisandherpescause open sores that make it easier for HIV to get inside the body.
You should be tested for HIV if youtest positive for any STI.
Some people develop AIDS within a few years of HIV infection.
Others remain completely healthy (asymptomatic) for 10 or even 20 years.
They may not suspect they have HIV but can spread the virus to others.
AIDS Symptoms
HIV can progress toacquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)over time if left untreated.
AIDS-defining illnesses include opportunistic infections (acquired due to a compromised immune system) and cancers.
These illnesses are life-threatening to people with HIV.
Some symptoms appear in the early stage of HIV, while others show up in later stages.
Not everyone will experience symptoms early on, or have the same symptoms at the same stage.
Having another STI may indicate that you are at risk for HIV.
Never assume that not having symptoms is the same thing as not having HIV.
Many HIV-positive people do not know they have the virus.
The only way to find out for sure is to get tested.
So if you are at risk, get tested and treated.
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