Stage 1: Primary HIV Infection

This stage of infection lasts a few weeks and feels like the flu. During this stage there is a large amount of HIV in the blood and

the body begins to respond.

FeverMuscle sorenessRashHeadacheSore throatMouth or genital ulcers

Swollen lymph glandsJoint painNight sweatsDiarrhea

This stage lasts for an average of ten years and is free from major symptoms, although there may be swollen glands. HIV

level is low but people are infectious.

Stage 2: Asymptomatic Stage

Stage 3: Symptomatic HIV Infection

Over time the immune system becomes severely damaged by HIV.

Stage 4: Progression from HIV to AIDS

As the immune system becomes more damaged the individual may develop increasingly severe infections and cancers, leading

eventually to an AIDS diagnosis.

Goals of Antiretroviral Therapy

Control of viral replication

Prevention or delay of progressive immunodeficiency

Delayed progression to AIDS

Prolonged Survival

Decreased selection of resistant virus

Stage 4: Progression from HIV to AIDS

As the immune system becomes more damaged the individual may develop increasingly severe infections and cancers, leading

eventually to an AIDS diagnosis.

Stage 4: Progression from HIV to AIDS

As the immune system becomes more damaged the individual may develop increasingly severe infections and cancers, leading

eventually to an AIDS diagnosis.

Stage 4: Progression from HIV to AIDS

As the immune system becomes more damaged the individual may develop increasingly severe infections and cancers, leading

eventually to an AIDS diagnosis.