HIV Symptoms: Early Signs, Five Stages & Long-Term Effects

What are the first symptoms of HIV infection and how long do they take to start? From acute weight loss to mouth symptoms, understanding the five stages of HIV is vital for long-term health management.

Blackboard with word HIV and stethoscope

Visible Signs of HIV

Published Aug,14 2017 | By Laura Candelaria

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a chronic incurable disease spread through exposure to infected blood and/or body fluids through sexual contact, intravenous needle sharing, or during childbirth from mother to child. Symptoms may begin as early as two to three weeks following infection and resemble flu symptoms.