What body temperature constitutes a low-grade fever in HIV/AIDS patients?

Low-grade fever in individuals with HIV/AIDS typically refers to a body temperature ranging from 37.3°C to 38°C.

In people living with HIV/AIDS, low-grade fever is defined as a body temperature between 37.3°C and 38°C. Normal human body temperature generally ranges from 36°C to 37°C. When the immune system of an individual with HIV/AIDS is severely compromised by the virus, the body becomes highly susceptible to infections caused by various pathogens—including bacteria, viruses, and fungi—leading to fever. Low-grade fever may serve as an early indicator of opportunistic infection in HIV/AIDS patients. This mild fever may be either persistent or intermittent.

Persistent low-grade fever may be associated with chronic inflammation related to HIV/AIDS—for example, during the symptomatic (AIDS) stage, the body remains in a prolonged state of immune activation, resulting in the production of inflammatory cytokines that induce low-grade fever. Intermittent low-grade fever may reflect recurrent infections with different pathogens. For instance, infection with *Mycobacterium tuberculosis* or other atypical pathogens may present with low-grade fever and night sweats. Additionally, drug-related adverse effects may also cause fluctuations in body temperature within the low-grade fever range; therefore, careful differential diagnosis is essential.

In daily life, patients should follow a light, bland diet and avoid spicy or irritating foods—such as garlic, spicy hotpot, and mustard. Adequate rest is also crucial; excessive physical exertion should be avoided to prevent compromising overall health.