What are the symptoms of HIV infection?
Dec 03, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
After HIV infection, symptoms such as persistent low-grade fever, night sweats, painless lymphadenopathy, trunk maculopapular rash, and oral mucosal leukoplakia may occur, typically appearing 2–4 weeks after infection. In later stages, multiple organ systems may be affected. If there is a history of high-risk exposure and any of the above symptoms develop, prompt HIV testing and medical evaluation are recommended.
After HIV infection, symptoms such as persistent low-grade fever, night sweats, painless lymphadenopathy, trunk maculopapular rash, and oral mucosal leukoplakia may occur, typically appearing 2–4 weeks after infection. In later stages, multiple organ systems may be affected. If there is a history of high-risk exposure and any of the above symptoms appear, timely HIV testing and medical evaluation are recommended.
1. Persistent low-grade fever: Body temperature usually ranges between 37.5°C and 38.5°C. This is a systemic inflammatory response caused by the virus, lasting 1 to 3 weeks and often resolving spontaneously. It occurs without clear signs of cold or infection and can easily be overlooked.
2. Night sweats: Profuse sweating during sleep, sometimes soaking clothes and bed sheets, caused by the immune system fighting the virus. It commonly accompanies low-grade fever and may significantly affect sleep quality in severe cases.
3. Painless lymphadenopathy: Multiple sites involved, especially neck, armpits, and groin. The enlarged lymph nodes are firm, mobile, larger than 1 cm in diameter, and persist for more than 3 weeks without resolution—this is a typical sign of immune system activation due to viral attack.
4. Trunk maculopapular rash: Scattered red or pink maculopapules, 2 to 5 mm in size, slightly raised. They first appear on the trunk and then spread to limbs, with no significant itching. The rash usually resolves spontaneously within 1 to 3 weeks.
5. Oral mucosal leukoplakia: White patches inside the mouth that cannot be easily scraped off, resulting from Candida infection due to weakened immunity. May be accompanied by sore throat, affecting eating and swallowing.
Maintain a regular lifestyle with adequate sleep, eat a balanced diet rich in high-quality protein and vitamins, engage in moderate and gentle exercise to strengthen the body, practice good personal hygiene to prevent secondary infections, and maintain a positive mindset while adhering to standardized medical interventions.
