More than 50 percent of people with the human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, report experiencing constitutional symptoms, which are symptoms that affect the entire body, according to Drs. Rocio Hurtado and Eric L. Krakauer with the Health Resources and Services Administration. As this viral infection advances, constitutional symptoms arise within a few weeks of infection and then typically subside for several years before reemerging. People who develop any of the constitutional symptoms of HIV should be evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible.
Night Sweats
Persistent, uncomfortable night sweats can occur as a constitutional symptom of HIV, the University of Washington reports. Night sweats are unusual increases in body temperature that induce brief periods of sweating throughout the night. People who experience night sweats may wake up frequently throughout the night with flushed, moist or clammy skin. Night sweats can be so severe that a person's pajamas are soaked with moisture upon awakening.
Fever
A fever is an increase in body temperature generated by the immune system when it is exposed to a pathogenic substance, such as HIV. People who develop a fever as a constitutional symptom can also experience uncomfortable headache symptoms, according to MayoClinic.com. Fever symptoms can persist for several weeks or months and are typically low-grade.
Weight Loss
Unintended and significant weight loss is a constitutional symptom of HIV, FamilyDoctor.org explains. This viral infection can cause symptoms of chronic diarrhea, which can prevent the body from absorbing necessary nutrients from ingested food. Increased sweating due to night sweats and fever can also cause people with HIV to lose weight.
Increased Fatigue
People with HIV can experience excessive fatigue as a constitutional symptom of infection. HIV progressively degrades the body's immune system, making it harder for a person with HIV to fight off other common infections, such as a cold or flu. Consequently, the body uses increased amounts of energy to help clear pathogens from the body, leaving little energy left to fuel normal, daily activities. People who are unusually fatigued due to HIV can have difficulty concentrating at school or work or may take several naps throughout the day to remain energized.
