Infection occurs when an organism, such as a virus or bacterium, invades the body. The infectious agent rapidly multiplies in the body’s tissues. Although not all infections result in disease, some can trigger the immune system, causing symptoms of illness. Show There are five stages of infection:
This article will explain each of the five stages of infection in detail, describing how long they can last and giving examples of infections. It will also highlight what the stages of infection are, specifically in people with HIV. The incubation stage includes the time from exposure to an infectious agent until the onset of symptoms. Viral or bacterial particles replicate during the incubation stage. DurationThe exact time frame of the incubation stage varies depending on the infection. Here are a few examples: FluThe flu virus incubates for 1–4 days, but symptoms can appear as early as 2 days after the virus enters the body. Hepatitis BThe incubation period for hepatitis B virus (HBV) ranges from 1.5–6 months. SalmonellaSalmonella, a common foodborne bacterium, causes symptoms within 6 hours to 6 days. They can include:
The prodromal stage refers to the period after incubation and before the characteristic symptoms of infection occur. People can also transmit infections during the prodromal stage. During this stage, the infectious agent continues replicating, which triggers the body’s immune response and mild, nonspecific symptoms. These symptoms can include:
DurationThe duration of the prodromal stage varies depending on the type of infection. For example, the flu has a short incubation period of about 2 days. As a result, the prodromal stage may overlap with the incubation stage and the onset of illness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that the virus might transmit to others 1 day before symptoms develop and up to a week after becoming ill. During the decline stage, the immune system mounts a successful defense against the pathogens, and the number of infectious particles decreases. Symptoms will gradually improve. However, a person can develop secondary infections during this stage if the primary infection has weakened their immune system. During this stage, the virus can still transmit to other people. The final stage of infection is known as convalescence. During this stage, symptoms resolve, and a person can return to their normal functions. Depending on the severity of the infection, some people may have permanent damage even after the infection resolves. HIV damages the immune system. If left untreated, HIV progresses into AIDS. Exposure to HIV occurs when a person comes in contact with body fluids that contain HIV particles. The CDC list three stages of HIV: Stage 1: Acute HIV infectionThese early stages of HIV infection are also known as acute HIV infection. HIV spreads throughout the body and attacks specialized white blood cells, called CD4+ T cells. Stage 2: Chronic HIV infectionIf left untreated, acute HIV infection progresses to chronic HIV, which can last for decades. In chronic HIV, the virus continues to replicate and destroy CD4 cells. People may not experience symptoms at this stage. However, the absence of symptoms does not mean that the infection is gone. Stage 3: AIDSIf a person with chronic HIV does not receive treatment, they can develop AIDS. At this point, the virus has significantly weakened the immune system, leaving the body vulnerable to other infections. If AIDS is left untreated, a person typically survives for about 3 years. Infection typically occurs in five stages. The incubation stage occurs right after exposure and before symptoms develop. This stage can range from hours for some infections to days, weeks, or even years for other infections. The next stage is prodromal, which involves mild, nonspecific symptoms. During the illness stage, a person shows the characteristic symptoms of infection, such as a rash in chickenpox or vomiting due to food poisoning. The decline stage occurs when the number of infectious microbes declines and symptoms resolve. The final stage is convalescence. During this stage, symptoms disappear, and the body starts to recover. HIV has three stages of infection: acute, chronic, and AIDS.
What is a generalized defense against pathogens?The innate immune system is our body's first line of defense against pathogens. It is a generalized, non-specific defense system (meaning that the defenses protect against all pathogens). The innate immune system defenses consist of the protective mechanisms we are born with (innate means “inborn” or “natural”).
What is psychoneuroimmunology in psychology?Abstract. Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) is a discipline that has evolved in the last 40 years to study the relationship between immunity, the endocrine system, and the central and peripheral nervous systems.
Which best defines autoimmune disorders?A condition in which the body's immune system mistakes its own healthy tissues as foreign and attacks them. Most autoimmune diseases cause inflammation that can affect many parts of the body. The parts of the body affected depend on which autoimmune disease a person has.
What are the effects of stress on immunity?When we're stressed, the immune system's ability to fight off antigens is reduced. That is why we are more susceptible to infections. The stress hormone corticosteroid can suppress the effectiveness of the immune system (e.g. lowers the number of lymphocytes).
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