Hello,
The normal number of WBC in the blood is 4,500-10,000 white blood cells/mcL. These cells play an important role in the immune system by identifying and destroying pathogens ( like viruses, bacteria, or fungi). We have five major types of white blood cells: basophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes (T cells and B cells), monocytes, neutrophils.
A high white blood cell count may indicates:
-infection ( like You have),
-inflammatory disease ( like
rheumatoid arthritis or chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease)
- leukemia
- smoking
- stress
- allergy, etc.
Please note that drugs may also increase WBC counts. These are:
corticosteroids,
heparin or beta adrenergic agonists.
In my opinion there is no need to worry about your WBC count. 18.6 is high but as you wrote you have
bacteremia so this indicate the cause of your high white blood cells count.
Hope I have answered your question. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help.