Most people who are infected with HIV experience a short, flu-like illness that occurs between two and six weeks after infection.


After this, HIV often causes no symptoms for several years. It's estimated that up to 80% of people who are infected with HIV experience this flu-like illness.


The most common symptoms are:


fever (raised temperature)
sore throat
body rash
Other symptoms can include:
tiredness
joint pain
muscle pain
swollen glands (nodes)



The symptoms, which can last up to four weeks, are a sign that your immune system is fighting the virus.


These symptoms can all be caused by conditions other than HIV and do not mean you have the virus.


However, if you have several of these symptoms, and you think you have been at risk of HIV infection, you should get an HIV test.


After the initial symptoms disappear, HIV often does not cause any further symptoms for a few years.


This stage is sometimes referred to as "asymptomatic HIV infection", as the virus
continues to spread and damage your immune
system, but without any visible symptoms.
This process can take about 10 years, during
which you will feel and appear well.

Further information:
HIV and AIDS
Living with HIV and AIDS
HIV real story video
Find sexual health services

aidsmap: information on HIV and AIDS
Page last reviewed: 23/06/2015
Next review due: 22/06/2017

http://www.nhs.uk/chq/pages/3105.aspx?categoryid=118&subcategoryid=126

seun, lalasticlala