What symptom might indicate a person has HIV?

Night sweats are indeed a symptom that may indicate a person has HIV. This phenomenon occurs when the body's immune system starts to respond to the infection, which can lead to increased body temperature and sweating, especially during sleep.

Individuals with HIV may experience night sweats in the acute phase of infection, as well as during later stages when the immune system is significantly compromised. These night sweats are often accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes, forming part of the clinical picture that healthcare professionals assess during diagnosis.

In contrast, the other symptoms listed—abdominal pain, dark urine, and jaundice—can be associated with a variety of conditions and do not specifically indicate HIV infection. While they might suggest liver issues or other systemic problems, they lack the specificity for HIV that night sweats have. Recognizing night sweats as a potential indicator of HIV can aid in early identification and intervention for those at risk.