HIV Symptoms

AIDS Symptoms


First of all it is important to distinguish between HIV and AIDS. HIV stands for “Human Immunodeficiency Virus” and is the infection with the virus itself, whereas AIDS (Acquired Immun Deficiency Syndrome) is the illness that is caused by it. AIDS is a stage of the HIV infection in which severe infections like pneumonia, neurological diseases or certain types of cancer occur in addition to the generic afflictions.

Opportunistic Infections of AIDS

The symptoms of AIDS are principally the result of opportunistic infections which take advantage of the strongly weakened immune system. These infections do not usually develop in individuals with a healthy immune system. Common opportunistic infections and the major AIDS symptoms associated with them are:

  1. Kaposi's Sarcoma tumor:
    Kaposi's Sarcoma is a type of cancer. It most commonly appears on the skin but it may also affect internal organs, particularly the lymph nodes, the mouth, the lungs, the stomach and the bowel. The symptoms that show up are nodules or blotches, ranging in colour from brown or brown-red to reddish purple.

    2. AIDS Symptoms
    AIDS Symptoms caused by the Kaposi's
    Sarcoma tumor

  2. Toxoplasmosis:
    Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease and affects the central nervous system, including the brain. It can lead to coma or death. The most common symptoms are:
    - headache
    - confusion
    - fever

  3. Cytomegalovirus:
    This virus attacks the retinal tissue directly. Without any treatment it can cause vision loss. The symptoms that occur due to the infection with that virus are the following:
    - blind spots
    - blurred vision
    - flashing lights
    - floating spots

  4. Pneumocystis Jiroveci Pneumonia:
    This pathogen causes a very strong infection of the lungs with the symptoms listed below:
    - fever
    - cough
    - shortness of breath
    - weight loss
    - night sweat

  5. AIDS-Related Lymphoma:
    AIDS-Related Lymphoma is a disease and leads to cancer in the lymph system of patients with AIDS. The related symptoms are:
    - swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits and groin
    - itchy skin
    - weight loss
    - fever

  6. Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV):
    The infection with the virus HSV1 leads to oral herpes.
    The infection with the virus HSV2 leads to genital herpes and can be very painful.

    7. AIDS Symptoms
    genital herpes due to infection with HSV2


While there are treatments to help prolong the life of people who are infected with AIDS, there is currently no AIDS cure. The only way to protect yourself is by taking preventative measures. Don't give AIDS a chance!!!

More on HIV & AIDS symptoms like Rashes, Swollen Lymph Nodes, Weight Loss or Night Sweats in our HIV Forum.


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This section of the website provides information on the different infections and symptoms of AIDS.





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