 
What are the Stages of HIV?
Point of Infection
This is the moment when someone becomes infected with HIV. From this point forward they are at risk of infecting others - even though they may not experience any signs, symptoms or even know that HIV is in their body.
Window Period
The Window Period is the time between the point of HIV infection and when the body has created enough antibodies to be detected by a test. The process of creating antibodies, called sero-conversion, can take from 3 weeks to 6 months.
Asymptomatic Period
During the Asymptomatic Period, there is enough virus in the body to test positive but the immune system is strong enough that there may not be any symptoms. While the virus is breaking down the immune system a person can live many, many years, symptom free, especially if they:
- have access to food and shelter
- are living a healthy lifestyle (nutrition, exercise, sleep etc)
- are avoiding drugs/alcohol
- have support from friends and family
- are avoiding stress
- have access to treatments and medications
Symptomatic Period
During the Symptomatic Period, the virus has become more active in the body and the immune system is weakened. Some common symptoms include:
- nausea
- diarrhea
- fatigue (extreme exhaustion)
- night sweats (extreme sweating that results in dehydration)
- wasting (rapid weight loss of both fat and muscle tissue)
AIDS Diagnosis
AIDS is diagnosed when you have HIV and one or more Opportunistic Infections, which include:
- PCP (a type of pneumonia or lung infection)
- Toxoplasmosis (infection of the brain)
- Thrush (yeast infection)
- Herpes Simplex (viral infection)
- Lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system)
- Salmonella Septicemia (gastrointestinal bacteria)
Someone who has AIDS will have generally been living with HIV for many years and their immune system would be severely damaged. HIV weakens the immune system to the point where an Opportunistic Infection can lead to death.
Contact YouthCO, your doctor or a walk-in clinic to make an appointment to learn more and to get tested.
Learn more about HIV and AIDS and find out How HIV is Transmitted.
Learn about Hepatitis C, How it is Transmitted, and its Symptoms.
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