During the first two years of HIV infection, most patients may only have transient symptoms in the acute phase, which occurs about 2-4 weeks after the initial HIV infection. These symptoms will resolve on their own after only 1-3 weeks, and then the patient will enter a relatively long asymptomatic period. The asymptomatic period can last about 6-8 years. During the asymptomatic period, most patients do not have any obvious discomfort or symptoms, so it is not possible to determine whether a patient is infected with HIV through symptoms. To determine whether a patient is infected with HIV, a blood test for HIV antigens and antibodies should be done to clarify the diagnosis.