Infection symptoms: what to notice and what to do

An infection often starts small — a mild fever, a bit of pain, or unusual tiredness. Spotting the right signs early can keep a minor problem from turning serious. Below are clear, practical clues to help you decide when to treat at home, call a doctor, or get urgent care.

Common symptoms by type

Fever and chills: A temperature over 38°C (100.4°F) usually means your body is fighting something. Track it — rising fever or fever that won’t come down with simple measures needs attention.

Local signs: Redness, swelling, pain, warmth, or pus around a wound or skin area suggest a local infection. A spreading red streak or a growing lump around a wound is a warning sign.

Respiratory: Cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, chest tightness, or colored phlegm could signal a respiratory infection like bronchitis, pneumonia, or COVID. New trouble breathing is urgent.

Urinary and pelvic: Pain when peeing, frequent urges, cloudy or bloody urine, and lower belly pain point to a urinary tract or pelvic infection.

Gastrointestinal: Sudden, severe diarrhea, vomiting, belly pain, or bloody stools may be an infection of the gut. Watch for signs of dehydration.

Skin and soft tissue: Rashes, blisters, painful lumps, or infected insect bites need cleaning and possible medical care.

Red flags — get help right away

Call emergency services or go to the ER if you or someone else has one or more of these: very high fever, severe shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion or sudden mental change, fainting or very low blood pressure, very weak or very rapid pulse, little or no urine output, or a rash of purple spots. These can be signs of sepsis — a life-threatening response to infection.

If you’re at high risk (infant under 3 months, age 65+, immune-suppressed, long-term health issues, or pregnant), lower thresholds apply. Don’t wait to contact a healthcare provider if symptoms worry you.

What your clinician may do: a physical exam, temperature check, blood tests, urine test, throat or wound swab, and sometimes chest X-ray or other imaging. Those tests find the cause and guide treatment.

Home steps that help: rest, fluids, paracetamol or ibuprofen for fever or pain (follow dosing advice), keep wounds clean and covered, and avoid close contact with others while contagious. Don’t take antibiotics without a prescription — using the wrong drug can make infections harder to treat.

Track changes: write down when symptoms started, how they evolve, any meds you’ve taken, and any recent travel or exposures. This log makes consultations faster and clearer.

If you’re unsure, use a telehealth visit or call your primary care office. Quick action and clear information often mean simpler treatment and faster recovery.