Publications

Symptoms

What happens if a person gets infected with HIV, the AIDS virus?

At the beginning, usually nothing, although some people might have symptoms like the flu: slight fever, tiredness, achy muscles and joints.

After the infection has gone on for a while, usually several months or even several years, a person begins to see changes in their body. These changes can be:

  • a low-grade fever (lasting several weeks)

  • extreme tiredness

  • weight loss not the result of dieting

  • skin rashes

  • heavy sweating at night, waking up drenched


If a person has any of these symptoms, and they last for more than a week or two, the person should consult a doctor.

For women specifically, there may be a series of yeast infections that never seem to clear up, even with treatment. This, too, is a sign that the person should consult a doctor.

But remember: These symptoms are only signs that the body is dealing with something, and it might not be AIDS. People still get the flu and other diseases. So, consult a doctor.

Print Version