What does fatigue feel like with HIV infection?

The tiredness may be present on waking, become stronger after modest activity, or make work and household tasks feel unusually demanding. It can occur with fever, night sweats, swollen glands, sore throat, weight change, diarrhoea, or recurrent infections, although symptoms vary and some people have none. Fatigue can also result from poor sleep, stress, anaemia, medicines, or another health problem. Only appropriate testing can assess HIV infection.

Use a manageable routine, alternate activity with rest, drink fluids, and choose regular meals. Keep a record of fatigue and associated symptoms. If there has been a possible recent exposure, seek confidential medical advice promptly because testing and prevention options depend on timing. Do not stop prescribed treatment without speaking with the prescriber.

Seek urgent care for trouble breathing, confusion, severe weakness, fainting, inability to keep fluids down, or a rapidly worsening condition. Arrange prompt medical review for persistent fever, drenching night sweats, unexplained weight loss, or repeated infections together with fatigue.

Ask which HIV tests are suitable, when a repeat test may be needed, how other causes such as anaemia can be checked, and whether your medicines could affect energy.