Infections

Types of Infection

The signs and symptoms of infection vary, from fever and fatigue to inflammation and swelling. The most common infections that can appear are pneumonia, influenza, skin infections, UTIs, and gastrointestinal infections. With any suspicions you may have, though, it’s important to be checked out by a doctor in person to rule out any variables causing your symptoms. If your symptoms align with a certain diagnosis, your doctor will know the steps needed to be taken to get you on the path to recovery.

The most common signs of infection in children can manifest in different ways than in adults. If you notice signs of infection in your child, you should take them in to be seen by a doctor as soon as possible, as symptoms can worsen if left untreated and develop into more serious ailments. The most common infections that manifest in children include skin infections, throat infections, and ear infections. These ailments are painful and can be life-threatening if left untreated. For example, a throat infection can turn into scarlet fever, or travel to the chest and cause a lung infection. Throat and ear infection also go hand-in-hand, so make sure to know all of your child’s symptoms in order to be a better advocate for them when you take them to see a doctor.

Lastly, there are certain symptoms which you may not realize are associated with infection. Although some parts of the body are more prone to infection than others, it is possible for any part of your body to become infected, causing symptoms you may not realize are related to each other. These symptoms include shortness of breath, stiff neck, loss of appetite, pain in the abdomen, and redness or soreness in any area of the body. The more combined symptoms you have, the more likely your diagnosis of infection. As always, speaking with a doctor about your symptoms should be your first step.