Pain is often one of the most disturbing symptoms of infection. Thus, when the pain gradually recedes, it is natural for many to think that “the infection means complete recovery as long as it is not in pain”. However, this is an extremely dangerous area of error that may cause us to lose sight of the health risks that remain hidden in the body.
Pain is only part of the many symptoms caused by the infection. In the case of common respiratory infections, pains such as headaches, oscillations and muscular acid problems may occur during the course of the disease, mainly as a result of the stimulation of the body ‘ s tissue by the pathogens and their toxins, as well as the effect of the inflammatory medium of the body ‘ s immune response on the nerve endpoint. When pain is reduced or lost after a period of treatment or the body ‘ s own immunisation, it does not mean that the pathogens that caused the infection have been completely eliminated. For example, the influenza-induced viruses may still be in the body, but are temporarily inhibited by the immune system, and once their body is less immune, they may re-emerge and lead to a relapse.
For some bacterial infections, such as those in the urinary system, even if pains such as urine pain and back pains disappear, they cannot be taken lightly. Bacteria may be found in some hidden parts of the urology system, such as kidneys, the wrinkles of the bladder mucous membrane, which form a tiny stomosis or biofilm, which reproduces under suitable conditions, triggers re-infection and may be rendered more difficult when re-infection is due to the resistance of the bacteria.
In addition to the risk of remnant pathogens, infection may cause potential damage to the organ function of the body, which may persist after the pain has disappeared. For example, among patients infected with endometriflammitis, the heart valve may have been irreversibly damaged, even if the symptoms of post-therapeutic chest pain, joint pain, etc., have been mitigated, and may later develop into serious complications such as cardiac insufficiency and cardiac disorders. Similarly, in some cases of severe lung infections, the pulmonary tissue may fibrosis in the course of inflammation, affecting the gas exchange function of the pulmonary, and even if the pain disappears, the patient may experience short-temperature and ineptities after the activity, and the damage to the pulmonary function may persist or even increase over time.
Moreover, the impact of infection on the immune system cannot be ignored. An infection may leave the immune system in a relatively “tired” or “disturbed” state, and even if symptoms such as pain disappear, the recovery of the immune system will take some time. During this period, the body is relatively weak in its resistance to other pathogens, and when it is considered that it has fully recovered and has relaxed its protective measures, such as neglect of personal hygiene, overwork, lack of nutritional intake, etc., it is vulnerable to other infections, creating so-called “secondary infections” and causing greater bodily harm.
How, then, can it be determined that the infection is really fully recovered? First, a full review is to be carried out in accordance with the doctor ‘ s recommendation. In the case of respiratory infections, blood, chest X-ray or CT tests may be required to determine if pneumonia is fully absorbed and the pathogen has been completely eliminated; in the case of urinary system infections, urine routines, urine culture etc. need to be reviewed to ensure that there are no bacterial residues in the urinary system and that the organ function is normal. Secondly, it is possible to be aware of the overall state of one ‘ s body, such as the continued lack of strength, lack of appetite, weight change and other non-suffering symptoms, which may be signs of incomplete physical recovery. At the same time, good living habits, such as a balanced diet, adequate exercise, adequate sleep, etc., are still to be maintained for some time after rehabilitation, in order to facilitate the full recovery of the body and the reconstruction of the immune system.
It is far from sufficient to judge full recovery after infection solely on the basis of the loss of pain. We need a more scientific and critical approach to the post-infection rehabilitation process, through comprehensive examinations, attention to minor changes in the body and the continued maintenance of a good lifestyle, in order to truly ensure the full recovery of the body from the infection and the restoration of health and vitality.
