HIV is a virus that compromises the immune system. In the majority of cases, once a person contracts HIV, the virus stays in the body for life. But some people do not have any symptoms at all during this early stage of HIV. HIV symptoms change as the infection progresses. How does the virus progress? swollen lymph nodes. Other causes of wasting include malnutrition, chronic diarrhea, tuberculosis, and cancerall of which require urgent diagnosis and treatment. What are the early signs and symptoms of HIV? Understanding the HIV Window Period | Testing | HIV Basics - CDC What to Expect at Your First HIV Care Visit, Viral Suppression and Undetectable Viral Load, Tips on Taking Your HIV Medication Every Day, Other Health Issues of Special Concern for People Living with HIV, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and People with HIV, Prior National HIV/AIDS Strategies (2010-2021), AHEAD: Americas HIV Epidemic Analysis Dashboard, Activities Combating HIV Stigma and Discrimination, U.S. Government Global HIV/AIDS Activities, National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, National Asian & Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day, National Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, National Ryan White Conference on HIV Care & Treatment, AIDS 2020 (23rd International AIDS Conference Virtual), Learn more about HIV self-testing and which test might be right for you, Read more about the difference between HIV and AIDS, Form Approved OMB# 0990-0379 Exp. By doing so, you can be tested and begin taking life-extending HIV treatment. A rash is often the first sign of HIV, but it only appears in 2 of every 5 newly infected people. If you experience flu-like symptoms alongside a rash on your face or chest, it may be a sign of acute HIV infection. If a person does not undergo testing, it is possible for HIV to progress without any indication that it is in the body. Swollen lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy) can occur in the early stages of HIV as the body tries to kill the virus. If you have HIV and remain in care, take HIV medicine as prescribed, and get and keep an undetectable viral load, you will stay healthy and will not progress to AIDS..