AIDS
Alternate Names : Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
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AIDS Symptoms & Signs
The symptoms of AIDS are primarily the result of infections that do not normally develop in individuals with healthy immune systems. These are called "opportunistic infections."
Patients with AIDS have had their immune system depleted by HIV and are very susceptible to such opportunistic infections. Common symptoms are fevers, sweats (particularly at night), swollen glands, chills, weakness, and weight loss.
See the signs and tests section below for a list of common opportunistic infections and major symptoms associated with them.
Note: Initial infection may produce no symptoms. Some people with HIV infection remain without symptoms for years between the time of exposure and development of AIDS. However, some people develop what feels like a "flu" about two weeks after contracting the virus.
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