The symptoms of HIV and AIDS vary, depending on the phase of infection.

Early symptoms

The majority of people infected by HIV develop a flu-like illness within a month or two after the virus enters the body. This illness, known as primary or acute HIV infection, may last for a few weeks. Possible signs and symptoms include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Body Rashes
• Mouth or genital ulcers
• Swollen lymph glands, mainly on the neck
• Joint pain
• Night sweats
• Diarrhea
• Chills
• Sore throat

These symptoms usually disappear on their own within a few weeks. 

Later symptoms

The progression of disease varies widely among individuals. This state may last from a few months to more than 10 years. During this period, the virus continues to multiply actively and infects and kills the cells of the immune system. The immune system allows us to fight against the bacteria, viruses, and other infectious causes.

• Lack of energy
• Weight loss
• Frequent fevers and sweats
• Persistent or frequent yeast infections
• Persistent skin rashes or flaky skin
• Short-term memory loss
• Mouth, genital, or anal sores from herpes infections. 

Progression to AIDS

By the time AIDS develops, your immune system has been severely damaged, making you susceptible to opportunistic infections — diseases that wouldn’t trouble a person with a healthy immune system.

• Soaking night sweats

• Shaking chills or fever higher than 100 F (38 C) for several weeks
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Chronic diarrhea
• Persistent white spots or unusual lesions on your tongue or in your mouth
• Headaches
• Persistent, unexplained fatigue
• Blurred and distorted vision
• Weight loss
• Skin rashes or bumps

Each of these symptoms can be related to other illnesses. The only way to find out if you are infected with HIV is to get tested.

Latent Infection

HIV remains in body with no specific signs and symptoms.