What are the symptoms of AIDS?

Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
Updated on April 13, 2025
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Individuals infected with HIV typically do not exhibit noticeable symptoms during the latency period. During the acute phase, however, symptoms such as rash, fever, generalized lymphadenopathy, and cough are likely to occur. During the active phase of AIDS, due to severe immune deficiency, a series of opportunistic infections and malignancies may occur. These can include persistent coughing, sputum production, diarrhea, weight loss, and unexplained fever. Treatment and diagnosis should be tailored to the specific circumstances, with diagnosis primarily made through testing for HIV antibodies.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
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Does AIDS transmit through kissing?

AIDS is mainly transmitted through sexual contact, the most common forms being vaginal and anal intercourse. Infection is more likely when there are no protective measures in place, such as not using condoms, through direct contact of the sexual organs. Kissing carries a relatively low risk of infection. However, if the kissing is deep and there are significant mouth ulcers or bleeding gums present, the risk can increase somewhat. Overall, the risk still exists but is very low.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
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AIDS is a type of disease.

AIDS is primarily caused by infection with the HIV virus, which then proliferates massively in the body. The HIV virus destroys the human immune system, leading to a significant decline in the CD4T lymphocyte system and immune function. After the loss of immune function, a series of opportunistic infections and opportunistic tumors can occur. Therefore, AIDS is actually an acquired immunodeficiency disease, mainly transmitted through sexual contact, as well as mother-to-child transmission and blood transmission.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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When does AIDS occur?

About half a month after being initially infected with HIV, 50%-70% of people will experience symptoms similar to those of a cold, including headache, fever, sore throat, pain in muscles and joints, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, swelling of lymph nodes throughout the body, or the appearance of maculopapular rashes on the skin. These symptoms will all disappear within about a month, after which the individual will enter a latent period that generally lasts from 1 to 10 years, before progressing to the AIDS phase. Once in the AIDS phase, various symptoms can occur at any time throughout the body.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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Is the HIV test paper accurate?

The test papers for AIDS, whether domestically produced or imported, have an accuracy rate exceeding 90%, with some even reaching 95% to 97% or more. As for the accuracy of these results, the key depends on two factors: first, whether the testing method you use is accurate, and second, whether the testing is conducted after the window period has passed.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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Will touching AIDS-infected blood lead to transmission?

If the skin is intact, generally, contact with the blood of an HIV-infected person will not transmit the virus. However, if the skin is damaged and comes into contact with the blood of an HIV-infected person, there is a possibility of transmission. Additionally, the mucous membranes of the body, such as in the eyes, inside the mouth, and various cavities, can potentially get infected with HIV if they come into contact with HIV-infected blood. If these mucous membranes are damaged, the risk of HIV infection significantly increases.