A diagnosis of the HIV can easily be missed or delayed because there are often no symptoms in the early stages, and the infected person may be unaware of an HIV infection. Embarrassment and not being honest with a health care provider about sexual activity can also delay a diagnosis. In addition, some symptoms of HIV infection, such as weight loss and flu-like symptoms, can be vague and mimic many other conditions. These include influenza. Diagnosis may also be missed or delayed because HIV may not be detectable with diagnostic testing in the first one to three months after infection.
Because of these factors, it is important to have regular medical care throughout a lifetime in order to maximize the chances of early diagnosis and treatment of HIV infection....more about HIV/AIDS »