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This page is part of a large HIV and AIDS site and more information can be found from the home page There are no 'set' symptoms for HIV infection or AIDS. Most people who become infected with HIV do not notice they have been infected although some may suffer from a flu-like illness shortly after infection. People who have HIV may feel and look completely well but their immune systems may nevertheless be damaged. It is important to note that once someone is infected they can pass HIV on, even if they feel well. The more time passes, the more likely damage is to have occurred to the immune system. Once the immune system is compromised, the person may be susceptible to 'opportunistic infections', these are infections that are around us all the time and can normally be fought off by a healthy immune system. Also, some tumours or cancers can occur as a result of a damaged immune system and can cause damage to the brain and nervous system. These 'symptoms' are, however, not caused by HIV but by the opportunistic infections. A diagnosis of AIDS involves one of the opportunistic infections or cancers and an underlying immune system deficiency. To summarise, there are no symptoms of AIDS or HIV as such, until the immune system is so damaged that other infections begin to cause health problems which become increasingly difficult to treat. The only way to know if a person is infected is for them to have an HIV Antibody Test. You can find more information about HIV infection from our "how someone can and can't be infected with HIV" page. Also see our becoming infected, transmission & testing section which will give you further information.
Last updated November 19, 2004 |