What are the symptoms of AIDS?

HIV/AIDS manifests differently at various stages, mainly including fever, lymphadenopathy, skin and mucous membrane lesions, gastrointestinal symptoms, and recurrent infections. The details are as follows:

1. Fever: Fever is a common symptom during the early infection and symptomatic phases. In the acute phase, 2–4 weeks after infection, patients often develop low-grade or moderate fever ranging from 37.5°C to 38.5°C; some may have temperatures exceeding 39°C. This can last for several days to weeks and is frequently accompanied by headache, fatigue, and other discomforts.

2. Lymphadenopathy: Swollen lymph nodes commonly occur in the neck, armpits, and groin. During the acute phase, enlargement is usually mild, but becomes more pronounced during the AIDS stage. The nodes are typically firm, painless, movable nodules, sometimes merging into larger masses. Involvement of at least two or more regions persists for over six months and shows little response to conventional treatments.

3. Skin and mucous membrane lesions: About 90% of patients experience related symptoms. In the acute phase, maculopapular rashes 2–5 mm in diameter commonly appear on the trunk, face, and upper limbs, often accompanied by itching. During the AIDS stage, conditions such as shingles (herpes zoster) and molluscum contagiosum may develop. Oral candidiasis is frequent, presenting as mucosal erosion covered with curd-like white plaques.

4. Gastrointestinal symptoms: These may occur from the acute phase through to AIDS. In the acute phase, symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are typically transient. In the AIDS stage, chronic diarrhea is common—defined as more than three bowel movements per day lasting over one month—with mucus possibly present in the stool. Additional manifestations include loss of appetite and weight loss.

5. Recurrent infections: These occur due to impaired immune function. Common examples include oral fungal infections, bacterial pneumonia, and tuberculosis. The frequency and severity of infections increase as the disease progresses. Some patients also suffer from recurrent skin abscesses or persistent herpes lesions that fail to heal, making treatment more difficult compared to the general population.

The clinical presentation of HIV/AIDS is both stage-specific and diverse. High-risk individuals should undergo regular testing. Adherence to standardized treatment, maintaining healthy lifestyle habits, and balanced nutrition can effectively slow disease progression and improve quality of life.