HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, can cause or contribute to flu-like symptoms at a number of stages. In stages 1 and 3 of the disease, flu-like symptoms are present as a manifestation of the virus itself; the weakening of the immune system caused by the progression of HIV also makes HIV-positive people more susceptible to viral conditions like the flu.
Acute Infection
Many people recently infected with HIV experience a flu-like illness during acute HIV infection, the time following infection. Everything that happens during the time between infection and the end of illness associated with acute infection is part of stage 1 HIV; some people do not become ill or do not notice their symptoms and pass directly into asymptomatic HIV. According to AIDS.org, symptoms associated with acute HIV infection include fever, fatigue, rash, headache, swollen glands, aches and pains, stomach troubles and night sweats. Those people who do experience acute HIV symptoms generally develop them between two and four weeks after infection.
Nondiagnostic
Many people are familiar with the notion that acute HIV infection sometimes triggers flu-like symptoms. However, what many do not realize is that these symptoms are not diagnostic for HIV. This means that, even if the person sees a doctor and in fact recently has been infected with HIV, the doctor cannot diagnose HIV through symptoms alone. If you have reason to believe you have been exposed to HIV, whether or not you develop a flu-like illness soon after, it is important to get an HIV test, as this is the only way to know your status.
Note that tests that screen for HIV antibodies will give a true positive only if seroconversion--developing a detectable level of antibodies--already has occurred. This generally happens within 30 days of infection, but may take three to six months. Thus, you may need repeat testing to be sure of a negative result.
Chronic Flu-Like Symptoms
As HIV progresses to its third, symptomatic stage, it has caused severe damage to the immune system and there may be an appearance of chronic flu-like symptoms. According to HIV-Symptoms.info, these may include swollen glands, night sweats, diarrhea, fever and headaches. Other symptoms of symptomatic (stage 3) HIV include weight loss and skin and breathing conditions.
Immunosuppression
By targeting the immune system, HIV makes a person's body less capable of fighting off infections. People who are immunosuppressed as a result of advanced HIV/AIDS are more susceptible to infection with viral and other diseases. In addition, people with weakened immune symptoms experience more severe effects as a result of contracting even a simple flu.
Precautions
You may need to take precautions when interacting with someone who has advanced HIV/AIDS to protect her from developing a serious infection. HIV InSite observes that people with advanced HIV/AIDS and people in contact with them should always wash their hands after using the restroom, and visitors should always wash hands before contact. HIV InSite also recommends that people with advanced HIV/AIDS avoid contact with children who have viral illnesses, and that people who have flu and other respiratory conditions wear respirator masks.
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