Which of the following is NOT a symptom of HIV?

The correct answer is related to the understanding of HIV symptoms and their classification. While HIV can lead to a variety of symptoms, especially during the acute phase of infection or as it progresses to AIDS, brain damage is not a direct or immediate symptom of HIV itself. Initial symptoms of HIV typically include flu-like symptoms such as fever and pharyngitis, as well as gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea.

In the context of HIV, brain damage can occur, but it is usually a result of long-term complications related to the disease, such as opportunistic infections or other secondary conditions rather than a direct symptom of the virus's initial infection.

Thus, identifying brain damage as an external manifestation highlights an understanding of the chronic and long-term effects of HIV rather than acute symptoms that would present soon after infection.