👉 Infection occurs when a pathogen, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, enters the body and begins to multiply, disrupting normal cellular functions and causing harm. This process can lead to a range of effects, including inflammation, where the immune system responds by attracting white blood cells to the site of infection, causing redness, swelling, and pain. If left untreated, infections can spread, leading to systemic issues such as fever, fatigue, and organ dysfunction. In severe cases, infections can cause tissue damage, impair organ function, or even lead to life-threatening conditions like sepsis, where the body's response to infection becomes overwhelming. Additionally, chronic infections can result in long-term health complications, affecting multiple systems and reducing overall quality of life. Effective treatment, often involving antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, or antiparasitics, is crucial to eliminate the pathogen and prevent these detrimental effects.