Understanding the Physical Effects of HIV Infection

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can affect the body in a number of ways, depending on the stage of the infection and the individual's immune response.

Early stage (acute HIV infection)

- Flu-like symptoms, including fever, chills, muscle aches, fatigue, sore throat, headache, and swollen lymph nodes

- A rash that may cover the body

Chronic stage (clinical latency)

- No symptoms or mild symptoms

Late stage (AIDS)

- Weight loss, chronic fatigue, night sweats, fever

- Frequent infections including pneumonia, tuberculosis, toxoplasmosis

- Neurological problems including confusion, memory loss, dementia

- Cancer including Kaposi's sarcoma.

HIV weakens the immune system by destroying a type of white blood cell called a CD4 T-cell. CD4 T-cells are critical in the body's defense against infections. This damage makes it harder for the body to fight off infections