The early signs and symptoms of HIV infection tend to be nonspecific. Within days or weeks of exposure to the virus, a person may notice flu-like symptoms, a rash, and fatigue. Some people may not have any symptoms.

A person’s symptoms may vary depending on their stage of progression. For example, someone with stage 1 HIV may have different symptoms from someone with stage 3 HIV, also known as AIDS.

A note about sex and gender

Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Learn more.

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There are three stages of HIV. Below are the potential signs and symptoms of HIV depending on the stage of the condition:

Stage 1 HIV symptoms

Stage 1 HIV typically develops within 2 to 4 weeks of HIV transmission. Symptoms at this stage are often vague and unspecific, and may include:

Early symptoms are usually bearable and frequently mistaken for the flu or another mild condition. People may easily underestimate them or mistake them for minor health conditions.

Some people may not have anyTrusted Source symptoms at this stage. However, they will have a significant amount of the HIV virus in their bloodstream, meaning it is easy to pass it on.

If someone thinks that they have HIV, they should speak with a healthcare professional as soon as possible.

Stage 2 HIV symptoms

Stage 2 HIV, or chronic HIV, may take around 10 years to progress to stage 3, although this process may be faster or slower for some people.

Some people may not have HIV-related symptoms during this stage, which is why healthcare professionals may also refer to this phase as the asymptomatic phase.

Others may experience general fatigue and enlarged lymph nodes in at least two sites for more than 3 to 6 monthsTrusted Source. People may also experience the following:

During this phase, HIV is still multiplying inside the body but at lower levels than in the acute phase.

Stage 3 HIV symptoms

Stage 3 HIV, also known as AIDS, may cause the following symptoms:

These symptoms may occur due to opportunistic infections, such asTrusted Source:

How HIV symptoms differ in males and females

While males and females may have many of the same early signs and symptoms of HIV, females may also experience symptoms such as genital yeast infections and changes in menstruation.

Males may also experience symptoms such as penile ulcersTrusted Source or erectile dysfunctionTrusted Source.

Nonbinary and transgender people have a disproportionate burden of HIV, particularly transgender women. Factors that may contribute to this uneven burden may includeTrusted Source discrimination, social stigma, and insensitivity to transgender-specific health needs.

Further research on HIV symptoms in transgender and nonbinary populations is necessary. However, transgender or nonbinary people may experience many of the same vague symptoms as cisgender people, such as fever, headaches, or ulcers.

According to estimates by the World Health Organization (WHO), around 20.5 million women and 18.1 million men globally were living with HIV in 2023.

However, higher numbers of males acquired HIV and experienced death due to HIV-related causes.

Although HIV remains a serious health concern, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights that the number of people with HIV in the United States decreased by 12%Trusted Source from 2018 to 2022.

Some groups of people are affected more by HIV than others. For example, the CDC states that men in the United States who reported male-to-male sexual contact made up 67% of new HIV cases in 2022.

Learn more about global HIV statistics.

The only wayTrusted Source to know if someone has HIV is to test for the virus. After exposure to the virus, there is a period in which tests will not detect the virus; the length of the period is specific to the test.

According to the CDCTrusted Source, healthcare professionals may diagnose HIV with the following tests:

  • Antibody tests: This test uses a blood or other bodily fluid sample to look for HIV antibodies. The test typically takes around 3 to 12 weeks to detect antibodies.
  • Antigen/antibody test: This test looks for antibodies and antigens, which are substances that the virus produces immediately after transmission. HIV produces the p24 antigen in the body even before antibodies develop. It may take 2 to 12 weeks to detect antibodies and antigens.
  • Nucleic acid test (NAT): This test looks for the HIV virus in a person’s blood. It can detect HIV faster than the other types of tests. This test may take 1 to 5 weeks to detect HIV.

Usually, the above tests are evaluated in labs, but home tests are also available. Home tests, which are usually antibody tests, may require a small blood or saliva sample, and their results are quickly available. Some home tests give results in as little as 20 minutes.

If a home test is positive, it is essential to confirm the results with a doctor. If the test is negative, a person should repeat it after a few months to confirm the results.

How often should people test for HIV?

The CDC recommends that everyone between 13 and 64Trusted Source years old take an HIV test at least once as part of their routine healthcare.

They also recommend that people with the following risk factors take a test at least once a year:

  • male-on-male sexual intercourse
  • anal or vaginal sex with someone who has HIV
  • multiple sexual partners since the last HIV test
  • exchanging sex for drugs or money
  • sharing drug injection equipment
  • diagnosis with tuberculosis, hepatitis, or a sexually transmitted infection
  • sexual intercourse with someone who has an unknown sexual history
  • sexual intercourse with someone who has done anything on this list

Learn more about HIV transmission.

HIV is a virus that weakens the immune system and leaves the body more prone to opportunistic diseases and infections.

Current treatments, such as antiretroviral therapy (ART), mean that stage 3 HIV is much less commonTrusted Source. ART is a long-term treatment that lowersTrusted Source HIV levels in the body and stops the virus from replicating, allowing a person’s immune system to grow stronger.

People with HIV can liveTrusted Source long, healthy lives by combining HIV treatment and lifestyle measures, such as exercising regularly and quitting smoking if they smoke.

Learn about living with HIV.

How do people with HIV feel?

People with stage 1 HIV may experience generalized symptoms, such as fever, headache, or fatigue, that they may mistake for the flu.

Some people may not haveTrusted Source any symptoms and may not know they have HIV until it progresses or they test positive.

What happens if someone gets HIV?

An acute HIV infection can take 2 to 4 weeks after transmission to develop. During this stage, a person will have high levels of HIV in the blood, which increases the risk of further transmission.

Treatment and diagnosis at this stage can offer significant health benefits.

How long do people with HIV live?

HIV treatment, including ART, reduces the levelTrusted Source of HIV in the blood. This treatment can slow HIV progression, allowing people with HIV to live long, healthy lives.

People should get HIV treatment as soon as possible. Without treatment, a person with stage 3 HIV typically lives for around 3 yearsTrusted Source.

HIV and AIDS resources

For more in-depth information and resources on HIV and AIDS, visit our dedicated hub.

HIV symptoms vary depending on the stage of the condition. Early stage symptoms may be similar to those of the flu. People may experience headaches, fever, fatigue, and more.

As the condition progresses, a person may not have any symptoms. However, in stage 3 HIV, also known as AIDS, a person may experience severe symptoms related to opportunistic infections. This may include rapid weight loss, night sweats, and sores.

Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help slow the progression of the virus and significantly improve a person’s quality of life. Knowing the early signs can help a person receive a quick diagnosis.