10 Bacterial Infection Symptoms
Article Sources
- 1. 'Bacterial Infections.' Sepsis Alliance, 12 Jan. 2021, www.sepsis.org/sepsisand/bacterial-infections
- 2. 'What Is Bacterial Vaginosis?: Symptoms, Signs and Causes.' Planned Parenthood, www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/health-and-wellness/vaginitis/what-bacterial-vaginosis
- 3. 'Fever.' Better Health Channel, www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/fever#symptoms-of-fever
- 4. 'Chills: Causes & Treatment.' Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/21476-chills
- 5. 'Fatigue.' Healthdirect, www.healthdirect.gov.au/fatigue
- 6. 'Lymphadenitis.' Johns Hopkins Medicine, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/lymphadenitis
- 7. 'Staph Infections.' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 6 May 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/staph-infections/symptoms-causes/syc-20356221
- 8. 'Chest Infection.' NHS Inform, www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/chest-infection
- 9. 'Endocarditis.' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 14 Nov. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/endocarditis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352576
- 10. 'Urinary Tract Infections and Dementia.' Alzheimer's Society, 1 Apr. 2017, www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/daily-living/urinary-tract-infections-utis-dementia
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Bacteria are single-cell microorganisms found virtually everywhere. Many bacteria are helpful, such as those in the digestive tract that aid in the digestive process and support the immune system. Others are harmful, and if they enter the body and proliferate, they cause bacterial infections, leading to multiple symptoms. Some of these infections may be life-threatening.
Bacteria enter the body in a number of ways. They may be inhaled, ingested while eating or drinking and they may invade through an opening in the skin, such as a cut. Sometimes the balance of beneficial bacteria normally present in the body becomes disturbed, leading to infections.1‘Bacterial Infections.’ Sepsis Alliance, 12 Jan. 2021, www.sepsis.org/sepsisand/bacterial-infections,2‘What Is Bacterial Vaginosis?: Symptoms, Signs and Causes.’ Planned Parenthood, www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/health-and-wellness/vaginitis/what-bacterial-vaginosis
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Fever
A fever occurs when the body temperature is elevated, which indicates the body is fighting a viral or bacterial infection. The person feels hot and sweaty, and their skin may appear flushed. Over-the-counter medications may help lower a fever, and sponging the skin with lukewarm water may also bring relief.
Mild fevers commonly resolve on their own after a few days. If a fever persists, is over 103 degrees Fahrenheit or is accompanied by symptoms that include severe headache, confusion, or breathing difficulties, the person should seek medical evaluation immediately to determine if these symptoms are due to bacterial infection or other causes.3‘Fever.’ Better Health Channel, www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/fever#symptoms-of-fever
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