HIV symptoms

In the early stages of HIV infection, there may be no obvious symptoms. However, as time progresses, individuals may experience acute phase reactions, usually appearing 2 to 4 weeks after infection. The symptoms are similar to those of the common cold or flu and include: 1. General symptoms: The presence of AIDS can lead to persistent fever, weakness, and night sweats. Additionally, it can cause persistent generalized lymphadenopathy (swelling of lymph nodes throughout the body). 2. Respiratory symptoms: Patients may experience chronic cough, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, patients may even cough up blood. 3. Gastrointestinal symptoms: Patients may experience loss of appetite, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, patients may have rectal bleeding. 4. Neurological symptoms: Patients may experience dizziness, headache, slowed response, intellectual decline, mental abnormalities, seizures, paralysis, and dementia. 5. Skin and mucous membrane damage: Examples include simple herpes, shingles, and inflammation or ulceration of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa. 6. Tumors: AIDS may also induce the occurrence of multiple malignant tumors. Kaposi's sarcoma on the body surface can present as red, purplish-red macules, papules, or infiltrative masses.