Infectious Disease Center

What is an infection symptom? Why should you be careful?

An infection symptom refers to a condition where the body receives pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, which cause inflammation or damage to various tissues. Everyone should be highly vigilant because some types of infections, such as bloodstream infections (septicemia), can be severe enough to be life-threatening.

What are common infection symptoms?

Common symptoms of infectious diseases are as follows:
– Viral infections: The infection spreads to various systems of the body, such as the nervous system, muscles, gastrointestinal tract, and respiratory tract. The most severe is infection affecting the immune system, among others.
– Bacterial infections: If infected with this type, subsequent symptoms usually include a group of symptoms such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, pain, swelling, burning sensations, cough, sore throat, and diarrhea, etc.
– Fungal infections: When infected with fungi, the body will exhibit symptoms particularly on the skin.

How to distinguish infection symptoms from general illness

Infection symptoms and general illnesses can be distinguished by the characteristics of the fever, body aches, and certain specific symptoms, categorized as follows:
– Characteristics of fever: In the case of an infection, the fever will be high and sudden, around 39-40 degrees Celsius, accompanied by chills. In contrast, general illness may present with only a low-grade fever or no fever at all.
– Body aches: If infected, there will be severe body aches, especially in the muscles and joints. In general illness, these symptoms do not occur.
– Specific symptoms: Specific signs indicating an infection in each system of the body include green or yellow phlegm in respiratory tract infections; painful, burning urination or foul-smelling urine in urinary tract infections; and pus or fluid draining from a wound in wound infections. Additionally, there may be other signs such as red rashes, swollen lymph nodes, or mental changes like confusion or lethargy.

How to prevent infections and reduce disease risk

Ways to prevent infections and reduce the risk of diseases include:
– Bathe regularly to wash away dirt and pathogens from the body.
– Wash your hands with soap and clean water for at least 20 seconds or use alcohol gel, especially before meals, after using the restroom, and after touching dirty surfaces.
– Avoid close contact with sick people, especially those with a cough, sneeze, or fever.
– Wear a face mask. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, wearing a face mask has become highly necessary when in public or crowded areas.
– Dispose of waste properly to prevent the spread of pathogens.
– Keep the home well-ventilated to reduce the risk of respiratory tract infections.

When to see a doctor? Warning signs of a dangerous infection

You should see a doctor immediately if these symptoms do not improve within 2-3 days or if they worsen rapidly:
– High fever: A fever exceeding 39 degrees Celsius, or a high fever accompanied by other symptoms such as chills or profuse sweating.
– Difficulty breathing: Rapid breathing, shortness of breath, or chest pain while breathing.
– Severe headache: A headache so severe that it is unbearable, or a headache accompanied by a stiff neck or vomiting.
– Rashes or petechiae (spots of bleeding under the skin) all over the body.
– Abnormal urination: Painful or burning urination, frequent urination, or blood in the urine.

Frequently Asked Questions About Infections (FAQ)

How are infections treated?

Infections can be treated according to the specific cause of the infectious disease as follows:
– Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics, which help kill the bacteria.
– Viral infections are mostly treated symptomatically, such as with antipyretics, painkillers, and adequate rest, as antibiotics cannot kill viruses. In some cases, antiviral drugs may be used to treat specific viral infections.
– Fungal infections can be treated with antifungal medications.
The most important thing for treating infections is to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment. You should not purchase antibiotics to take on your own, as this can lead to drug resistance.

How severe is an infection?

The severity of an infection depends on the type of pathogen, the patient’s immune system, the site of infection, and how quickly treatment is received. Prompt and appropriate treatment can significantly reduce the severity of the disease.

Does taking anti-inflammatory drugs help treat an infection?

Anti-inflammatory drugs do not help treat infections. Anti-inflammatory drugs have the effect of reducing inflammation, relieving pain, and reducing fever, but they do not have antimicrobial properties to kill pathogens. Therefore, they cannot be used to treat infections.