Early signs of HIV can include fatigue, rash, fever, chills, headache, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches, oral thrush, and night sweats. Some symptoms appear in the early stages of HIV, ... The early symptoms of HIV can mimic the flu; later symptoms include a weakening of the immune system.

Understanding the Context

Learn the symptoms that appear in each stage of HIV. WHO fact sheet on HIV and AIDS with key facts and information on signs and symptoms, transmission, risk factors, testing and counselling, prevention, treatment and WHO response. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is an infection that attacks the body’s immune system, specifically the white blood cells called CD4 cells. HIV destroys these CD4 cells, weakening a person’s immunity against opportunistic infections, such as tuberculosis and fungal infections, severe bacterial infections and some cancers.

Key Insights

Key facts on HIV. Since the beginning of the epidemic, 91.4 million [73.4–116.4 million] people have been infected with the HIV virus and about 44.1 million [37.6–53.4 million] people have died from HIV-related causes. Globally, 40.8 million [37.0–45.6 million] people were living with HIV at the end of 2024. An estimated 0.7% [0.6-0.8%] of adults aged 15–49 years worldwide are living ... The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) targets the immune system and weakens people's defense systems against infections and some types of cancer.

Final Thoughts

It is transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse (anal or vaginal), transfusion of contaminated blood, sharing of contaminated needles, or between a mother and her infant during pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding, if the mother is not ... The World Health Organization (WHO) has released updated recommendations on HIV clinical management providing new and revised guidance on antiretroviral therapy, management of vertical HIV transmission, and tuberculosis (TB) prevention for people living with HIV. These recommendations support an evidence-based, cost-effective approach to improving treatment outcomes, reducing HIV-related ... Latest update on the global and regional HIV estimates, people receiving antiretroviral therapy, incidence among key populations, progress towards international targets, HIV testing and care cascades, and updates on HIV policies uptake.