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9 symptoms that indicate you have HIV

 
, medical expert
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
 
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13 November 2012, 16:00

On December 1st, the entire world will celebrate World AIDS Day. On the eve of this date, which serves as a reminder to humanity of the need to stop the global spread of the "plague of the 21st century", Web2Health will tell you about the most common symptoms of HIV. Many infected people may not even suspect that they are infected. The first symptoms of HIV and AIDS are vague and unclear.

It's important to get tested for HIV, especially if a person has had unprotected sex with more than one partner or has used intravenous drugs, said Dr. Michael Horberg, director of research at the Kaiser Permanente Health Consortium in Oakland, California.

Most infected people initially do not feel any signs of the disease and the disease can only be detected by a blood test. The period from the moment of infection to the appearance of the first clinical symptoms can last from several weeks to six months.

Fever

One of the first signs of HIV infection is an increase in body temperature – up to 38 degrees. It can remain at one level for two or three days. As a rule, an elevated temperature is accompanied by fatigue, enlarged lymph nodes and a sore throat.

"Once the virus gets into the blood, it starts to multiply rapidly and in large quantities," says Dr. Horberg.

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Fatigue

An acute inflammatory reaction of the immune system is a natural response of the body to the invasion of foreign agents. Therefore, a person may feel a loss of strength, both short-term and permanent.

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Enlarged lymph nodes

Symptoms of HIV infection resemble flu symptoms and people often do not pay attention to them. The lymph nodes in the groin and armpit area, as well as in the neck area, increase in size.

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Poor appetite, diarrhea

The immunodeficiency virus has a strong effect on appetite and the gastrointestinal tract. An infected person may experience a loss of interest in food, diarrhea, and rapid weight loss.

Muscle and joint pain

Joint and muscle pain combined with swollen lymph nodes can again mislead into thinking you have the flu or other colds.

Respiratory system

Some of the most serious symptoms of HIV are related to the respiratory system. They can usually appear later in the disease. Difficulty breathing, coughing, or a sore throat can be a sign of Pneumocystis pneumonia or bacterial pneumonia.

Skin and mucous membranes

Many symptoms of HIV infection are the result of bacteria, viruses and fungi attacking a weakened body. A white coating on the tongue may indicate candidiasis or thrush, and red, purple or brown spots may indicate Kaposi's sarcoma.

Deformation of the nail plates

Another sign of HIV infection is a change in the nail plates. They become deformed, thickened, brittle and begin to flake. Black or brown lines appear on the surface, running vertically or horizontally. This can often be caused by a fungal infection.

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Herpes

Oral and genital herpes can appear at a late stage of HIV. If you have genital herpes, you need to be careful, because a healthy person risks getting infected due to the infection getting into open sores, which makes it easier for the infection to enter the body during sexual intercourse.

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