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If A Person Has Had No Contact With Other People Then Where Does The Infection Come From?
Posted on
Mon, 23 May 2022
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Mon, 23 May 2022
Answered on
Tue, 7 Jan 2025
Last reviewed on
Question : People often report that after getting a chill they develop an infection. However, if a person has had no contact with other people then where does the infection come from? I am confused about this and would be grateful for an explanation.
Brief Answer:
See details below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Chills ,fever or elevated body temperature is one of the symptoms of infection. An infection can be viral or bacterial.
If you are thinking of viral or bacterial respiratory tract infection it is true that you can get it from another person.
But the infection can be located even elsewhere such urinary tract infection, teeth infection , gastrointestinal tract infection etc.
The gastrointestinal tract infection can be transmitted by other people or through food.
The urinary tract infection can be created and not especially transmitted.
It can just be developed and poor hygiene may contribute to it.
Hope I have answered the question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Thanks.
See details below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Chills ,fever or elevated body temperature is one of the symptoms of infection. An infection can be viral or bacterial.
If you are thinking of viral or bacterial respiratory tract infection it is true that you can get it from another person.
But the infection can be located even elsewhere such urinary tract infection, teeth infection , gastrointestinal tract infection etc.
The gastrointestinal tract infection can be transmitted by other people or through food.
The urinary tract infection can be created and not especially transmitted.
It can just be developed and poor hygiene may contribute to it.
Hope I have answered the question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Thank you Dr Xhufka for your very thorough reply. The information was very helpful. However, I do have one follow-up question.I would like to know more about colds and influenza and their capacity to affect the respiratory system. Could someone who has not had contact with other people develop a cold or influenza that affects the respiratory system after getting a chill?
Brief Answer:
See details below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello dear and thank you for asking again.
It is possible that you can get a comment cold or flu after you get in contact with someone else that had it because both have a viral origin.
Chills may be a symptom of both of them. Common cold usually has milder symptoms than flu and usually doesn't develop complications of respiratory system.
If someone had no contact with infected other is difficult to have cold or influenza.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
See details below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello dear and thank you for asking again.
It is possible that you can get a comment cold or flu after you get in contact with someone else that had it because both have a viral origin.
Chills may be a symptom of both of them. Common cold usually has milder symptoms than flu and usually doesn't develop complications of respiratory system.
If someone had no contact with infected other is difficult to have cold or influenza.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. LAKSHMI
Answered by
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