What are the symptoms of HIV?

Symptoms of HIV

Individuals with HIV infection may not feel sick at first. However, HIV infection is often accompanied by a variety of symptoms, which can vary depending on how long a person has been infected. Since HIV affects the way the immune system functions, people who are infected develop illnesses that could previously be fought off by the immune system. Symptoms tend to increase in severity and number the longer the virus is in the body if the individual remains untreated.

Symptoms may include:

• Swollen lymph nodes
• Fever, chills, and night sweats
• Diarrhea
• Weight loss
• Coughing and shortness of breath
• Persistent tiredness
• Skin sores
• Blurred vision and headaches
• Development of other infections, such as certain kinds of pneumonia