HIV infection can generally be broken down into distinct stages. Each phase reflects a dynamic correlation between immune depletion and viral replication within the human body.
| Stage / Progression Phase | Typical Duration |
|---|---|
| Entry of HIV into the human body | 2-3 weeks |
| Acute retroviral syndrome | 2-3 weeks |
| Clinical improvement and seroconversion | 2-4 weeks |
| Asymptomatic chronic HIV infection | 8 years |
| Symptomatic HIV infection | 1.3 years |
| Death (without treatment interventions) | — |
Acute retroviral syndrome is the first stage of HIV infection, which is related to a temporary decrease in the CD4+ count accompanied by a high viral load in the blood. The clinical manifestation of this syndrome is wide, most frequently presenting as an influenza-like illness.
Symptomatic HIV infection is mainly caused by the emergence of opportunistic infections and cancers that a healthy immune system would normally prevent. Unless the underlying replication of HIV itself can be controlled, the symptoms of immune suppression continue to systematically worsen.
Lasts for a few weeks, often accompanied by a short flu-like illness. During this phase, there is a large amount of HIV in the peripheral blood. The immune system begins to respond by producing antibodies and cytotoxic lymphocytes (seroconversion).
Lasts for an average of ten years and is free from major symptoms, though swollen glands may occur. The virus is highly active in the lymph nodes, where large amounts of T-helper cells are infected and die while new virus is generated.
Over time, the lymph nodes become 'burnt out', HIV mutates into stronger strains, and the body fails to replace lost T-helper cells. This failure triggers initial mild symptoms that systematically worsen as the system deteriorates.
The immune system becomes severely damaged, leading eventually to an AIDS diagnosis. This diagnosis is confirmed when a person living with HIV develops specific severe opportunistic infections or diagnostic cancers.
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