Greenlife Health Advisor

Infection

Also indexed as:Bacterial Infection, Hospital-Acquired Infections, Rotavirus, Viral Infections

Protect your body from infection—the invasion of microorganisms. The best defence? A strong immune system. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful.

About This Condition

Infection is the result of invasion of the body by microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, or fungi.

Not all microorganisms cause infections in the body, and exposure to a disease-causing microorganism does not always result in symptoms. The immune system plays a large role in determining the body’s ability to fight off infection.

Some examples of infection are common cold/sore throat, influenza, cough, recurrent ear infections, urinary tract infection, yeast infection, athlete’s foot, cold sores, HIV, shingles, and parasites.

Symptoms

Symptoms of infection include localized warmth, redness, swelling, discharge, foul-smelling odour, and pain to the touch. In more serious cases, symptoms may also include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and fatigue.

Healthy Lifestyle Tips

Stress can depress the immune system, thus increasing the body’s susceptibility to infection. Coping effectively with stress is important.¹ Exercise increases natural killer cell activity, which may also help prevent infections.²

References

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The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2013.