How long does it take for symptoms of HIV disease to appear?

Symptoms of HIV generally appear within two to four weeks, according to AIDS.gov. The acute infection period is the first stage of HIV and often causes symptoms similar to the flu.

Symptoms during the acute infection stage of HIV can include fever, sore throat, swollen glands, rash, and aches and pains, as stated by AIDS.gov. The clinical latency stage occurs after the acute infection stage. During this period, HIV continues to live in the body producing little to no symptoms. AIDS occurs when the body's immune system is damaged to the point that an individual becomes prone to opportunistic infections.