Infected

Infected refers to the state of being invaded or colonized by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. An infection may remain localized, or it may spread through the blood or lymphatic vessels to become systemic (bodywide). Microorganisms that live naturally in the body are not considered infections. For example, bacteria that normally live within the mouth and intestine are not infections.

Causes of Infection

Infections are caused by infectious agents including:

• Viruses: These are tiny agents that can infect a variety of organisms, including bacteria, plants, and animals.
• Bacteria: These are single-celled organisms that are not visible to the naked eye. Some bacteria are beneficial to human health, while others can cause diseases.
• Fungi: These include yeasts, molds, and mushrooms. Fungi can cause infections, particularly in people with weakened immune systems.
• Parasites: These are organisms that live on or in a host organism and get their food from or at the expense of their host.

Symptoms of Infection

The symptoms of an infection depend on the type of disease. Some signs of infection affect the whole body generally, such as fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, fevers, night sweats, chills, aches and pains. Others are specific to individual body parts, such as skin rashes, coughing, or a runny nose.

Treatment of Infection

The treatment of an infection depends on the type and severity of the infection. Some infections can be treated at home with rest and drinking plenty of fluids. Others may require medication or hospitalization. Medications used to treat infections include antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitics.

Prevention of Infection

Preventing infections involves maintaining a healthy lifestyle, practicing good hygiene, vaccination, and regular medical check-ups.

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