The symptoms of HIV can vary greatly from person to person. No two men with HIV will experience the exact same symptoms. However, an HIV infection in men will generally follow this pattern:

  • acute illness
  • asymptomatic period
  • advanced infection
Acute illness

Approximately 80 percent of people who are infected with HIV experience flu-like symptoms within two to four weeks after becoming infected. This flu-like illness is known as acute HIV infection. It’s the primary stage of the infection and lasts until the body has created antibodies against the HIV virus.

The most common symptoms include:

  • body rash
  • fever
  • sore throat
  • severe headaches

Less common symptoms may include:

  • fatigue
  • swollen lymph nodes
  • ulcers in the mouth or on the genitals
  • muscle aches and joint pain
  • nausea and vomiting
  • night sweats

Symptoms typically last one to two weeks. If you’re experiencing several of these symptoms and suspect you may have been infected, schedule an appointment with your doctor and get tested.

Asymptomatic period

After the initial symptoms disappear, HIV may not cause any other symptoms for months or years. During this time, the virus replicates within your body and begins to weaken your immune system. You won’t feel or look sick, but the virus is still active, and you can easily transmit it to others. This is why early testing, even when you feel fine, is so important.

Advanced infection

It may take up to 10 years or longer, but HIV may eventually break down your immune system. Once this happens, HIV will progress to AIDS, which is the last stage of infection. At this point, your immune system is severely damaged, making you more susceptible to opportunistic infections.

These are conditions that the body would normally be able to fight off, but that can be life-threatening to those infected with HIV. You may notice that you frequently get colds, flus, and fungal infections. You might also experience the following AIDS symptoms:

  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • persistent diarrhea
  • chronic fatigue
  • rapid weight loss
  • cough and shortness of breath
  • recurring fever, chills, and night sweats
  • sores in the mouth or on the genitals
  • red, brown, or purplish lesions under the skin or inside the mouth or nose
  • prolonged swelling of the lymph nodes in the armpits, groin, or neck
  • memory loss, confusion, or neurological disorders