Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) gradually weakens the immune system. Which of the following is a common general symptom that may appear in a person living with AIDS?

Introduction / Context:
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is caused by infection with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Over time, HIV damages the immune system, particularly CD4 T lymphocytes, leading to increased susceptibility to opportunistic infections and certain cancers. Recognizing common symptoms associated with AIDS is important for early testing, diagnosis, and treatment. This question asks you to identify a general symptom that can commonly occur in individuals living with AIDS.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The disease is AIDS, caused by HIV.
• We are looking for a realistic, common general symptom.
• Options include weight gain, tiredness, hair changes, improved immunity, and eye redness.
• We assume standard textbook level knowledge of HIV and AIDS symptoms.

Concept / Approach:
As HIV infection progresses to AIDS, the immune system becomes severely weakened. Common symptoms include persistent fatigue, unexplained weight loss, prolonged fever, night sweats, swollen lymph nodes, chronic diarrhoea, and recurrent infections such as oral thrush. These are usually general, non specific symptoms that reflect a failing immune defense. Sudden severe weight gain, rapid hair growth, or dramatically improved immunity are not typical features of AIDS. Among the options given, persistent tiredness and weakness not relieved by rest is a realistic and commonly reported symptom in people with advanced HIV infection.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that AIDS is associated with long term, chronic symptoms as the immune system deteriorates. Step 2: Identify typical symptoms from textbooks, such as chronic fatigue, unexplained weight loss, and recurrent infections. Step 3: Examine the options and decide which of them matches these known symptoms. Step 4: Recognize that persistent tiredness and weakness is consistent with advanced HIV disease and AIDS. Step 5: Reject options that suggest weight gain, improved immunity, or trivial eye symptoms, as these do not match the usual clinical picture.

Verification / Alternative check:
Patient education materials and health organization guidelines often list persistent fatigue as one of the warning signs of HIV infection and AIDS. It is usually described as a tiredness that lasts for weeks or months and is not relieved by ordinary rest or sleep. This is frequently accompanied by other symptoms like night sweats and swollen lymph nodes. Such sources rarely mention sudden weight gain or rapid hair growth as typical AIDS symptoms. This external confirmation supports the choice of persistent tiredness and weakness as the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Sudden and unexplained severe weight gain: People with advanced AIDS more commonly experience unexplained weight loss, not weight gain. Rapid growth of scalp hair and body hair: Abnormal hair growth is not a classic or common symptom of AIDS in standard descriptions. Immediate improvement in immunity against all infections: AIDS weakens immunity; it does not strengthen it. Temporary redness of the eyes only after watching television: This can happen to anyone and is not specific or common as an AIDS symptom.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes think that any unusual symptom can be linked to AIDS because it is a serious condition. However, exam questions focus on typical, well documented signs and symptoms, such as chronic fatigue, weight loss, and recurrent infections. Another mistake is to focus on the name AIDS and imagine extreme or dramatic effects that are not medically accurate. Reviewing common symptom lists from reliable sources helps to anchor your understanding in real clinical patterns rather than myths or stereotypes.

Final Answer:
A common general symptom in someone living with AIDS is Persistent tiredness and weakness not relieved by rest.