What happens after infection? Most people recently infected by the AIDS virus look and feel What happens after infection? Most people recently infected by the AIDS virus look and feel healthy. In some people the virus may remain inactive, and these people act as carries, remaining apparently healthy but still able to infect others. After a few years, some people may develop AIDS-related complex, or ARC. Its symptoms may include fever, fatigue, weight loss, skin rashes, a fungal infection of the mouth known as thrush, lack of resistance to infection, and swollen lymph nodes. Sometimes the symptoms of ARC disappear, but the condition frequently goes on to become AIDS. Though it can up to 20 years after the virus is contracted for AIDS to fully manifest itself, average time in on the two years.