In simple terms it is an illness. It is caused by the toxins produced by organisms also called as virus which invade the body. The viruses become parasitic and join the main tissues in the body. Thus, localization of the virus will not be possible. Once the virus reaches the cells, the cells begin to degenerate. This affects the normal metabolism of the body. Now the infection starts to spread to the entire body because the enzymes causing infection joins the main blood stream. The infection is now transmitted to other persons through the air breathed out by the patient. If the patient is a pregnant woman the fetus is also likely to be affected by the infection.

Glandular fever:

Also called as ‘kissing disease’ this infection is spread by a herpes type virus. This disease is common amongst all adults. In undeveloped countries it is quite common amongst children. The symptoms of this disease are almost similar to that of flu (fatigue, soar throat, fever, enlarged lymph and spleen etc). This is a mononucleosis infection and normally it is not life threatening. Normally doctors prescribe some supportive medicines which include antibiotics depending on the severity of the infection.

General symptoms of infection:

Infections are normally classified into local and general. Local infections affect particular part of the body. In such cases, the symptoms are tenderness or swelling of the affected part and some times the part appear red. If the infection has spread to the body in general, it could have symptoms like fever, fatigue, chillness etc.

How to fight infection:

Prevention is better than cure. The infection can be avoided by a good environment and by following hygienic habits like washing the hands before taking food, taking bath twice a day with good quality soap, keeping the environment free from dust and to avoid contact with a person already affected by infection. However, if the person is already affected by infection there are many oral prescription medicines like antiviral medicines and antibiotics drugs.

Some of the medicines can have some side effects. Therefore, these medicines are to be taken only under strict medical supervision. Normally, the body has the immune system which can fight the infection on its own. But, in severe cases, the body needs some external support in the form of antibiotics etc.