What symptoms should prompt an HIV test?
Dec 01, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Lu
Introduction
Individuals experiencing persistent fever, skin and mucous membrane abnormalities, chronic diarrhea, sudden weight loss, or swollen lymph nodes should undergo HIV testing. Unexplained persistent fever, with body temperature often above 38°C lasting for several weeks and showing poor response to conventional antipyretic medications, may indicate the acute phase of HIV infection, during which the virus replicates extensively in the body, triggering an immune system response.
Persistent fever, skin and mucous membrane abnormalities, chronic diarrhea, rapid weight loss, and swollen lymph nodes may indicate the need for an HIV test. Specific analysis is as follows:
1. Persistent fever: Unexplained persistent fever with body temperature often above 38°C lasting for several weeks, and showing poor response to conventional antipyretic medications, may be a symptom of acute HIV infection. During this phase, the virus replicates extensively in the body, triggering an immune system response.
2. Skin and mucous membrane abnormalities: Rashes, herpes zoster (shingles), oral or genital mucosal ulcers that recur frequently and are difficult to heal may be related to decreased immunity caused by HIV, making the body more susceptible to viral and bacterial infections.
3. Chronic diarrhea: Long-term diarrhea without clear causes, characterized by increased daily bowel movements and changes in stool consistency, lasting more than one month, may result from HIV affecting digestive system function and causing intestinal infections.
4. Rapid weight loss: Significant weight reduction within a short period—exceeding 10% of original body weight—accompanied by symptoms such as loss of appetite and fatigue, may indicate metabolic disturbances and impaired nutrient absorption due to HIV.
5. Swollen lymph nodes: Painless enlargement of lymph nodes in multiple areas of the body, such as the neck, armpits, and groin, with firm texture, may be caused by HIV invading the lymphatic system.
Individuals who have engaged in high-risk behaviors—such as unprotected sex or sharing needles—should promptly seek HIV testing at a正规 medical institution if they experience any of the above symptoms. Early detection enables timely intervention.
