A doctor may suspect HIV infection if a person has several symptoms at the same time, the symptoms do not go away over time, and there seems to be no other reason (such as an upper respiratory tract infection, flu, or another illness) for the symptoms. The symptoms of HIV include:

• Fatigue.
• Weight loss.
• Fevers.
• Night sweats.
• Swollen lymph nodes in neck, armpits, and groin.
• Pain when swallowing.
• Mouth sores.
• Dry cough or shortness of breath.
• Diarrhea or other bowel changes.
• Personality changes.
• Difficulty concentrating or confusion.
• Tingling, numbness, and weakness in the limbs.
• Recurring herpes outbreaks.
• Opportunistic diseases.

Almost all of these symptoms can be caused by other illnesses.