Knowing you have HIV is your best defense against serious illness. Here are signs to look for.

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks and weakens the immune system. Over time, HIV can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), which puts a person at risk of getting infections and cancers that can be life-threatening. Knowing you have HIV and getting treated can help prevent the progression of the virus into AIDS and can also make it less likely you'll spread the virus to others. That's why it's important to pay attention to subtle signs that you may have been infected with HIV.

What are the symptoms of HIV?

Unfortunately, many people who are infected with HIV have no symptoms at first, or the symptoms they have are often mistaken for other common illnesses that are not that serious. Because of this, the infection may go undetected.

If you have symptoms, they are often similar to the flu or other common viruses so it may not be a red flag that you have HIV. Symptoms of a new HIV infection may include:

• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Headache
• Swollen lymph glands
• Sore throat
• Night sweats
• Mouth sores
• Diarrhea

Even if you have these symptoms initially, symptoms typically subside as the infection becomes chronic. You may look and feel healthy. So if you aren't tested for HIV, you may have no way of knowing you have HIV. If not treated, HIV can be spread to others and will eventually develop into AIDS.

When should you be tested for HIV?

If you suspect you have HIV or engage in behaviors that put you at a higher risk of being exposed to HIV, such as having unprotected sex, multiple sexual partners or sharing needles, it is recommended that you get tested for the virus. Screenings can be done with a simple blood test or by testing fluid from your mouth. There are home tests that screen for HIV or you can be tested by a doctor or in other healthcare settings. Some people should be tested regularly, depending on their lifestyle choices and other factors. It is recommended that pregnant women by tested.

What happens if you test positive for HIV?

If it is determined that you have the HIV virus, antiretroviral therapy (ART) is typically recommended. This stops the virus from multiplying, with the goal of lowering the level of the virus in the blood to a point where it is undetectable by a test. Although there is no cure for HIV, treatment can keep the virus from progressing into AIDS and spreading to others. However, medications must be taken as instructed for them to be effective. It is also important to see a doctor regularly to ensure the treatment is working and to address any potential side effects of the medications.

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Date Last Reviewed: October 15, 2024

Editorial Review: Andrea Cohen, Editorial Director, Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Contact Editor

Medical Review: Perry Pitkow, MD

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