Symptoms related to HIV are usually due to an infection in part of the body. Some symptoms related to HIV infection include:

• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Frequent vaginal yeast infections
• Headache
• Mouth sores, including fungal (candida) infection
• Muscular stiffness or aching
• Rash of various types, including seborrheic dermatitis
• Sore throat
• Swollen lymph glands

Note: At the time of diagnosis with HIV infection, many people may not have experienced any symptoms.

The HIV ELISA and HIV Western blot tests detect antibodies to the HIV virus in the blood. Having these antibodies means you are infected with HIV.

• If the test is negative (no antibodies found) and you have risk factors for HIV infection, you should be retested in 3 months.
• If the HIV ELISA and HIV Western blot tests are positive, other blood tests can be done to determine how much HIV is in your bloodstream.

White blood cell differential may also show abnormalities.

A lower-than-normal CD4 cell count may be a sign that the virus is suppressing your immune system.