Understanding HIV Symptoms: Early Signs & What to Do

For some, the symptoms of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) are mild or non-existent, but for others the symptoms are severe. Symptoms are not a reliable way to diagnose HIV, but if you experience these symptoms you may want to get checked by a doctor.

Early Symptoms

• Early symptoms of HIV can mimic other diseases such as the flu, hepatitis or mononucleosis, according to the University of California. The common early symptoms may be headache, fever and sore throat.

Severe Symptoms

• Some people with HIV may have more severe symptoms of fever, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes or a rash. A person may experience the early symptoms more severely also.

Diagnosing

• Symptoms are not enough to diagnose HIV. A standard HIV test can be given approximately 6 months after the initial infection, and is the only way to know for sure if you have the disease.

Later Symptoms

• After the primary infection, many people do not experience any other symptoms for 8 to 10 years, according to the University of California.

Long-term Effects

• A person with HIV may experience symptoms and side effects both from the illness and medicine throughout his lifetime. He may experience weight changes, heart disease and diabetes, as well as other illnesses due to the weakened immune system.