Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2005. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date. Hello, is there such a thing as a 'list' of the symptoms (stages) and/or progression of the HIV and AIDS viruses? My son has HIV and I have tried various ways to get a 'list' of stages of this disease so that I will know what to expect or be aware of. Example my son never had colds or flus as a child now as an adult he is sick perhaps once a month also he has always been very high energy now he sleeps more and is tired more than before; I feel these might be 'stages' or 'symptoms' of the HIV.
I want to be there for my son with love and support but I also need to know what to expect as his health worsens. I have tried to get this type of information from HIV/AIDS counselors as well as doctors; so farno one has given me any type of 'list'. I usually get the statement that it depends on the persons body and normal health, I understand that, but I want a 'list' so as my son gets progressively worse I will be prepared to help him. He is my only child and I have already had to accept his early death and the fact that he can never have children, but if I must face his eventual death from HIV/AIDS then I at least need to be prepared for all of the possible 'stages' of his health deteriorating.Please help me - tell me if
AEGIS has a list of stages or if there is perhaps another web
site that has this information. If you can be of any assistance
to me in my quest it will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your time and energy to answer me.
Take care.
Ross Slotten, M.D.
Klein and Slotten Medical Associates
Private Practice in Family Medicine
With a special interest in HIV disease
I am sorry to hear that your son is not doing well. This suggests that he is not taking HIV medications or that he is resistant to all HIV medications. If the former, he may need to start treating his HIV to alleviate his symptoms and prevent death from AIDS.
In 1993, the CDC developed a classification system for HIV/AIDS based on CD4 count and the presence of certain symptoms. See: http://www.aegis.org/topics/definition.html (Of course, one must be able to obtain a CD4 count to be able to classify a person.) People can be divided into three groups: CD4 counts greater than 500, counts between 200-500 and counts less than 200. They can also be categorized based on symptoms. In group A, the person may only have generalized swelling of the lymph glands or no symptoms at all; in group B, the person may have thrush (a yeast infection in the mouth), fatigue, weight loss, non-specific diarrhea, etc.; and C, a dangerous infection, like pneumocystis pneumonia, AIDS-related dementia, severe tuberculosis, etc. This classification system is not exactly a staging system, like cancer. For example, a person could have a CD4 count less than 200 but have no symptoms. Or (very rarely), he may have what appears to be a normal CD4 count (greater than 500 cells), but a disease like Kaposi's sarcoma (which classifies him as having AIDS). But the system implies a progression. Usually someone begins with a CD4 count above 500 and progresses to counts less than 200 and death; also he/she may have few symptoms and later develop severe symptoms. The time line can vary from as little as a year after being infected to 15 or 20 years or more after being infected.
You are asking important questions, but it is impossible to give you precise information about the "stages" your son is likely to go through. In general, someone who is infected with HIV and who does not receive anti-HIV medication, will eventually die of an AIDS-related problem, a process spanning years. If you have access to HIV medications, your son must see a health care provider immediately!
I wish you the best of luck.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980,2011. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content.