During which stage of HIV infection do individuals often appear healthy?

During chronic HIV infection, individuals often appear healthy. This phase follows the acute HIV infection stage and can last several years, during which the virus is still active within the body but typically does not cause noticeable symptoms. The immune system may still function relatively well during this time, allowing individuals to feel generally healthy despite the ongoing replication of the virus.

In this stage, routine medical check-ups may not reveal any significant health issues, and many people may remain asymptomatic, contributing to the challenge of diagnosing and managing the disease during this time. The absence of symptoms can lead to a false sense of security for those infected, making regular testing and monitoring essential to catch any progression of the disease. In contrast, the acute phase is marked by flu-like symptoms, while AIDS is characterized by severe immunodeficiency and opportunistic infections.