Which symptom is commonly associated with HIV?

A persistent cough is indeed commonly associated with HIV infection, particularly as the disease progresses. This symptom can arise due to various factors, including opportunistic infections like pneumonia, which are more prevalent in individuals with compromised immune systems due to HIV. The persistent nature of the cough may indicate ongoing respiratory issues that can occur when the immune response is weakened.

In contrast, increased appetite is not typically a symptom associated with HIV. In fact, individuals may experience weight loss or a decrease in appetite due to the body's metabolic changes and infections. Similarly, while joint pain can occur in some cases, it is less directly linked to HIV compared to respiratory issues. Severe headaches can be related to a number of conditions, but they are not a hallmark symptom of HIV infection and may arise from other causes that are not directly attributable to the virus itself. Overall, the persistent cough stands out as a significant and recognizable symptom linked with HIV, especially in later stages or in instances of opportunistic infections.