HIV and AIDS Health Center
HIV and AIDS Health Center
Symptom CheckerPhysician Directory
Sign InSign UpSubscribe
View All
Health Concern On Your Mind?
See what your medical symptoms could mean, and learn about possible conditions.
Get Started
Track your pain levels, triggers, and treatments. Set goals and get tips with our app.Download
Drugs & Supplements
Get information and reviews on prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements. Search by name or medical condition.
Having trouble identifying your pills?
Enter the shape, color, or imprint of your prescription or OTC drug. Our pill identification tool will display pictures that you can compare to your pill.
Get Started
Save your medicine, check interactions, sign up for FDA alerts, create family profiles and more.
Get Started
Drug, supplement, and vitamin information on the go.Download
Fight allergies with daily forecasts, local alerts, and personalized tips.Download
View All
The big day is coming! Get organized and track baby's weekly development.Download
View All
Talk to health experts and other people like you in WebMD's Communities. It's a safe forum where you can create or participate in support groups and discussions about health topics that interest you.
Got a health question? Get answers provided by leading organizations, doctors, and experts.
Get Answers
Sign up to receive WebMD's award-winning content delivered to your inbox.
Sign Up
WebMD HomeSexual Health CenterHIV & AIDS Health Center
Email a Friend
Print Article
Human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, is the virus that causes AIDS. HIV/AIDS weakens a person's ability to fight infections. It is contracted through unprotected sex or needle sharing. An HIV test confirms diagnosis. Medications may suppress the virus and delay the onset of AIDS.
Latest Headlines
HIV Rates Fall, But Not All Groups Benefit
Diagnoses among black and Hispanic gay, bisexual men rose in past decade
Read Full Article
WebMD HIV/AIDS Community
1
Symptoms of HIV/AIDS
2
Cause of HIV/AIDS
3
HIV/AIDS Statistics
4
HIV/AIDS Diagnosing
5
HIV/AIDS Treatments
6
HIV/AIDS Testing
7
Early Signs of HIV/AIDS
8
HIV/AIDS Prevention
9
HIIV/AIDS in Children
10
HIV/AIDS in Women
11
HIV Viral Load
12
Stages of HIV
HIV infection comes in three stages. The first stage is called acute infection or seroconversion, and it typically happens within two to six weeks after exposure or becoming infected. This is when the body's immune system puts up a fight against HIV. The symptoms of acute infection look similar to those of other viral illnesses and are often compared to those of the flu. The symptoms may last a week or two and then completely go away as the virus goes into a non-symptomatic stage.
The initial symptoms of acute HIV infection may include:
Understanding AIDS/HIV -- Symptoms
HIV & AIDS Guide
1
Overview & Facts
2
Symptoms & Types
3
Diagnosis & Tests
4
Treatment & Care
5
Living & Managing
6
Support & Resources
Get the Facts About HIV
How much do you know?
Just Diagnosed?
What to do now.
HIV Screening
Should you be tested?
CD4+ Count
What does it mean?
Slideshow
Another STD to Know: Hepatitis
Quiz
Do You Know the Right Way to Use Condoms?
Feature
The Truth About HIV Treatment
Feature
HIV Stigma: Dealing With Discrimination
Feature
Side Effects of HIV Treatment
Article
10 Tips for Healthy Eating With HIV
Article
Eat to Beat Weight Loss
Article
8 Skin Problems Related to HIV
URAC: Accredited Health Web SiteAdChoices
About WebMDAdvertise With UsTerms of UsePrivacy PolicyAccessibilitySponsor PolicySite MapCareersContact Us
Medscape ReferenceeMedicineHealthRxListMedscapeMedicineNetBootsWebMDWebMD Corporate
WebMD Health ServicesFirst AidWebMD MagazineWebMD Health RecordWebMD MobileNewsletters
DictionaryPhysician Directory
©2005-2015 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.
Sign InSign UpSubscribe
Common Conditions
View All
Featured Topics
- See What Severe Psoriasis Looks Like
- 16 Tips to Help You Get Organized
- Feeling Your Best When You Have MS
Symptom Checker
Health Concern On Your Mind?
See what your medical symptoms could mean, and learn about possible conditions.
Get Started
Resources
Second Opinion
Read expert perspectives on popular health topicsCommunities
Connect with people like you, and get expert guidance on living a healthy lifeInsurance Guide
Get ready for changes to your health care coveragePhysician Directory
Find a doctor in your area
Pain Coach
Track your pain levels, triggers, and treatments. Set goals and get tips with our app.Download
Find Information About:
Drugs & Supplements
Get information and reviews on prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements. Search by name or medical condition.
Drugs Basics & Safety
Pill Identifier
Having trouble identifying your pills?
Enter the shape, color, or imprint of your prescription or OTC drug. Our pill identification tool will display pictures that you can compare to your pill.
Get Started
My Medicine
Save your medicine, check interactions, sign up for FDA alerts, create family profiles and more.
Get Started
Drug News
- Vitamin B12 May Not Help Some Seniors
- Do Supplements Give Athletes an Edge?
- New Schizophrenia Drug Approved
- FDA: New, Stronger Warning for NSAIDs
- New Drug Approved for Heart Failure
Mobile Drug Information App
Drug, supplement, and vitamin information on the go.Download
Featured Content
Allergy App
Fight allergies with daily forecasts, local alerts, and personalized tips.Download
Living Healthy Centers
View All
Diet, Food & Fitness
Beauty & Balance
Living Well
Featured Topics
- Overcome Your Fear of Public Speaking
- New Clues Why Mosquitos Attack You
- Why Do You ... ACHOO!?
- Flash Fitness: Try the 7-Minute Workout
- Have Sensitive Teeth? See What to Do
- 16 Tips to Help You Get Organized
Featured Content
Pregnancy App
The big day is coming! Get organized and track baby's weekly development.Download
Family and Pregnancy Centers
Pregnancy
Parenting
Pets
Featured Topics
- When Autism Grows Up
- Top Children's Hospitals Ranked
- Antidepressants Linked to Birth Defects
- When Are You Contagious?
- Which Birth Control Is Best for You?
- New Test May Help Spot Male Infertility
News
View All
Why You Should Rethink That Drink Before Dinner
New Clues Why Mosquitoes Find You IrresistibleArticle
Women: Too Much Sitting Ups Cancer RiskArticle
Popular Heartburn Meds Can Have Health RisksArticle
Do Supplements Give Athletes an Edge?
WebMD Health Experts and Community
Talk to health experts and other people like you in WebMD's Communities. It's a safe forum where you can create or participate in support groups and discussions about health topics that interest you.
Second Opinion
Read expert perspectives on popular health topics.Community
Connect with people like you, and get expert guidance on living a healthy life.
Answers
Got a health question? Get answers provided by leading organizations, doctors, and experts.
Get Answers
Newsletters
Sign up to receive WebMD's award-winning content delivered to your inbox.
Sign Up
WebMD HomeSexual Health CenterHIV & AIDS Health Center
Email a Friend
Print Article
HIV & AIDS Health Center
Myths and Facts
Who gets HIV/AIDS and how it's transmitted.SlideshowHIV History
Where the disease came from and how far treatment has come.SlideshowSerious Symptoms
The first 8 signs of acute HIV infection.HIV & AIDS Overview
Human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, is the virus that causes AIDS. HIV/AIDS weakens a person's ability to fight infections. It is contracted through unprotected sex or needle sharing. An HIV test confirms diagnosis. Medications may suppress the virus and delay the onset of AIDS.
Latest Headlines
HIV Rates Fall, But Not All Groups Benefit
Diagnoses among black and Hispanic gay, bisexual men rose in past decade
Read Full Article
Top Stories
- HIV Prevention Pill May Not Need to Be Taken Daily
- Insurer Offering Life Insurance To People With HIV
- Can a Pill a Day Keep HIV Away?
- How to Avoid HIV-Related Complications
- Caregiving: Advice to Help You Cope
- HIV in Children
- More Articles
WebMD HIV/AIDS Community
Community. Experts. Support.
Community
- WebMD Sexual Health Community
- WebMD Sexually Transmitted Diseases Community
- WebMD Men's Health Community
- See All Communities
Tools & Resources
- Top Myths About HIV & AIDS
- HIV and Your Sex Life
- HIV: Is a Cure in Reach?
- HIV Diagnosis and Treatment
- Advances in HIV Treatment
- HIV and Pregnancy
Top Search Terms for HIV & AIDS
1
Symptoms of HIV/AIDS
2
Cause of HIV/AIDS
3
HIV/AIDS Statistics
4
HIV/AIDS Diagnosing
5
HIV/AIDS Treatments
6
HIV/AIDS Testing
7
Early Signs of HIV/AIDS
8
HIV/AIDS Prevention
9
HIIV/AIDS in Children
10
HIV/AIDS in Women
11
HIV Viral Load
12
Stages of HIV
Understanding AIDS/HIV -- Symptoms
The Symptoms of HIV/AIDS - the First Stage
HIV infection comes in three stages. The first stage is called acute infection or seroconversion, and it typically happens within two to six weeks after exposure or becoming infected. This is when the body's immune system puts up a fight against HIV. The symptoms of acute infection look similar to those of other viral illnesses and are often compared to those of the flu. The symptoms may last a week or two and then completely go away as the virus goes into a non-symptomatic stage.
The initial symptoms of acute HIV infection may include:
Understanding AIDS/HIV -- Symptoms
HIV & AIDS Guide
1
Overview & Facts
2
Symptoms & Types
3
Diagnosis & Tests
4
Treatment & Care
5
Living & Managing
6
Support & Resources
Related to HIV & AIDS
- Crisis Assistance
- Hepatitis
- HIV Myths and Facts
- Molluscum contagiosum
- Neuropathy
- Opportunistic Infections
- Other STDs
- Safe Sex
- Sexual Conditions
- More Related Topics
Today on WebMD
Get the Facts About HIV
How much do you know?
Just Diagnosed?
What to do now.
HIV Screening
Should you be tested?
CD4+ Count
What does it mean?
Slideshow
Another STD to Know: Hepatitis
Quiz
Do You Know the Right Way to Use Condoms?
Feature
The Truth About HIV Treatment
Feature
HIV Stigma: Dealing With Discrimination
Feature
Side Effects of HIV Treatment
Article
10 Tips for Healthy Eating With HIV
Article
Eat to Beat Weight Loss
Article
8 Skin Problems Related to HIV
WebMD Special Sections
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
- Feeding a Growing World
- Ringing in the Ears
- Care for Aortic Stenosis?
- Alzheimer's Worsening?
- Osteoporosis Treatment
- IBS-C Symptoms?
- Care for Aortic Stenosis?
- Fracture Due to Osteoporosis?
- Help for Alzheimer's
- Alzheimer's Worsening?
More From WebMD:
Hemophilia Treatment|RA Basics|Psoriasis|MS Assessment|Hemophilia Questions|Preteen Vaccines|ADHD in Children|Diabetes Diet|Hodgkin's Lymphoma|Multiple Myeloma |Breast Cancer|Toenail Fungus|Incontinence|COPDFind us on:
URAC: Accredited Health Web SiteAdChoices
About WebMDAdvertise With UsTerms of UsePrivacy PolicyAccessibilitySponsor PolicySite MapCareersContact Us
Medscape ReferenceeMedicineHealthRxListMedscapeMedicineNetBootsWebMDWebMD Corporate
WebMD Health ServicesFirst AidWebMD MagazineWebMD Health RecordWebMD MobileNewsletters
DictionaryPhysician Directory
©2005-2015 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.