Signs & symptoms

HIV positive people can live with the virus for more than a decade and not exhibit any symptoms, whilst others can show symptoms shortly after becoming infected. Shortly after being infected, some people may experience flu-like symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes, stomach aches, fever or body aches. Men and women with HIV may experience yeast infections of the tongue and mouth, a condition known as thrush. Women can develop genital yeast infections or pelvic inflammatory disease.

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of AIDS can appear differently in different individuals. However, some symptoms may include:

  • Rapid loss of weight that is not attributed to exercising or dieting
  • Episodes of intense fatigue that can be combined with dizziness and lightheadedness
  • Bruising easily
  • Night sweats
  • Frequent, prolonged swollen glands
  • Severe and consistent diarrhea
  • Decreased focus, attention and concentration
  • Unexplained bleeding from bodily orifices
  • Frequent skin rashes or irritation

There’s a progression of illness from HIV infection to AIDS. Here’s a brief description.

Complications

This article includes information on Kaposi Sarcoma (KS), different lymphomas, cervical cancer, anal cancer, and others.

AIDS dementia complex is a feared complication of AIDS. This web site offers a very complete description.

Progressive multifocal leukoenecephalopathy (PML) is a viral infection of the brain. Learn how more about it here.

That tingling in your feet or hands may be a nerve problem which can be caused by HIV infection and/or some AIDS drugs. Learn more here.