How to tell if your body is fighting a bacterial infection?

You can tell if your body is fighting a bacterial infection by recognizing common signs of immune activation and inflammation that occur when white blood cells attack bacteria. Typical symptoms include fever, where body temperature rises above 100.4F as immune system raises temperature to slow bacterial growth, chills and sweating that accompany fever, fatigue and feeling generally unwell because energy is diverted to immune response, and localized signs like redness, warmth, swelling, and pain at infection site, for example a wound that becomes increasingly red and swollen with pus that is yellow or green, indicating white blood cells fighting. Other signs include swollen lymph nodes in neck, armpits, or groin that feel tender, as lymph nodes filter bacteria, increased white blood cell count if you have blood work, sore throat with white patches for strep, burning urination and frequent urge for urinary tract infection, and cough with thick yellow or green mucus for bacterial bronchitis, though mucus color alone is not definitive. You may have elevated heart rate and loss of appetite. If infection is severe, symptoms can include rapid breathing and confusion, suggesting sepsis, which is emergency. Bacterial infections differ from viral infections which more often cause clear runny nose and body aches without pus. If you have persistent fever over 3 days, worsening pain, or pus, see a doctor for culture and possible antibiotics, and support your body with rest, hydration, and good air quality.