What is Systemic Infection?

The cause of a systemic infection comprises of bacteria or virus. The main characteristic of such an infection is that it affects the bloodstream of an individual, with the result that the symptoms spread to the whole of the body.

In this case, the pathogen is distributed throughout the body, rather than being concentrated in one area. Bacterial toxin is the major reason that leads to systemic infection.

The most common examples of a systemic infection are cold, flu, mononucleosis, strep throat etc.

Signs and Symptoms of Systemic Infection

Aches:

When a person is suffering from systemic infection, he/she experiences ache in areas such as the forehead and back. In extreme cases, the person experiences body aches too.

Chills:

Systemic infection triggers chills, which make a person shiver even after wearing layers of woolen clothes.

Fever:

Fever is a telltale sign of systemic infection. Depending upon the severity of the infection, the person might suffer from low to high fever.

Nausea:

Systemic infection triggers a feeling of nausea. The person reacts to certain smells by vomiting.

Vomiting:

Vomiting is one of the major symptoms of systemic infection. The person would have the tendency of puking, even after consuming regular food.

Weakness:

Overall weakness in the body is another symptom of systemic infection.

Local Infection

A local infection can be explained as that infection, which does not affect the whole body of an individual. Rather, it is limited to a specific portion of the body. It does not attack the bloodstream and is limited to the outer surface of the body.

Some of the most common examples of a local infection include an infected wound, an infected cut, etc.

Signs and Symptoms of Local Infection

Fever:

Fever is the only systemic symptom that can be caused by a local infection.

Foul Odor Discharge:

A foul odor discharge from the affected area is a telltale sign that the person has incurred a problem of local infection.

Heat at the Site:

In some cases, local infection might cause swelling in the affected area, which would in turn cause heat at the site.

Pain:

Pain in the area, which has been infected, is a very visible sign of local infection.

Pus:

One can figure out whether a wound is infected or not, by observing the amount of pus released from there.

Redness and Swelling:

Local infection might cause redness and swelling in the affected area.