Symptoms of HIV

Learn about the symptoms of HIV infection at each stage, from acute infection to AIDS.

Key Points

Many people have flu-like symptoms within 2–4 weeks after HIV infection.
Some people have no symptoms at all during early infection.
The only way to know if you have HIV is to get tested.
Symptoms alone cannot diagnose HIV — other illnesses can cause similar symptoms.

Acute HIV Infection (Stage 1)

These flu-like symptoms typically appear 2–4 weeks after infection and last a few days to several weeks. This is when HIV levels in the blood are very high, making it easy to transmit.

Fever
Chills
Rash
Night sweats
Muscle aches
Sore throat
Fatigue
Swollen lymph nodes
Mouth ulcers

Chronic HIV Infection (Stage 2)

This stage can last a decade or more without treatment. People may feel well but HIV is still damaging the immune system. ART can keep people in this stage indefinitely.

Often no symptoms
Mild symptoms may occur
HIV is still active and replicating
Can still be transmitted to others
CD4 count gradually declines

AIDS (Stage 3)

AIDS is diagnosed when the CD4 count drops below 200 cells/mm³ or when certain opportunistic infections occur. With ART, most people with HIV never develop AIDS.

Rapid weight loss
Recurring fever or night sweats
Extreme fatigue
Prolonged swelling of lymph nodes
Diarrhea lasting more than a week
Sores in the mouth, anus, or genitals
Pneumonia (PCP)
Red, brown, pink, or purplish blotches on skin
Memory loss, depression, or neurological disorders

When to Get Tested

If you think you may have been exposed to HIV, get tested as soon as possible. The CDC recommends that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once as part of routine health care. People with certain risk factors should be tested more often — at least once a year.

Learn more at CDC's GetTested locator to find free testing near you.