An average of eight to 10 years after infection, the signs of AIDS appear. The virus can weaken lung defenses, making breathing difficult and pneumonia a frequent consequence. Body temperature skyrockets. Purple patches can appear on the skin. Weight melts off the body.
Confusion can often fog the brain.
Specific tests for the virus become positive. Up until that time, the virus has been in a dormant state. Early treatment, before any signs of AIDS develop, can often hold off the ravages of AIDS-related infections and diseases for quite a long time. The number of CD4 cells and the magnitude of virus particles in the blood indicate the appropriate time for treatment. Most doctor's offices do not do those tests.