Chronic illness can leave people with suppressed immune systems, putting them at a higher risk of infection than the general population.

Disability also increases the risk of infection, an awareness of the warning signs can help you recognise the symptoms early, and get the infection treated quickly.

General signs of infection:

• Fever – a temperature above 37.5 degrees Celsius, or 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit (please note: a temperature at this level is considered a mild temperature, it ideally should be lower than this)
• Pain
• Inflammation

Urinary tract infections: Some specific symptoms if it is in the urinary tract

• Pain when urinating (could be a burning sensation)
• Needing to urinate more frequently than normal
• Feeling as if you still need to urinate after you just did
• Your urine might appear cloudy, and could have an offensive odour
• Back pain (this is a later symptom)

Respiratory: Some specific symptoms if it is in the ‘chest’

• Viral symptoms don’t resolve in the expected time, and symptoms become worse rather than better
• Sputum (what you cough up) might be a different colour, e.g. yellow or green (it should be clear)
• Difficulty breathing (later symptom, if this happens seek immediate medical attention)

Unhealed wounds:  Some specific signs of an infected wound

• Red skin around the wound – You can draw an outline around the red area to see if it is improving or getting worse each day
• The ooze changes colour – Yellow or green is never a good sign
• Blackened areas – this is serious, it means parts of the skin have died, you need to seek urgent medical attention
• Foul smelling ooze

If you suspect you have developed an infection seek medical attention. Infections left untreated can enter the bloodstream; this is life threatening and needs urgent treatment. The earlier an infection is detected, the easier it is to treat.

If you are prone to infections you might want to consider adding some routine checks into your week, e.g. weekly temperatures, regular at home urine dipstick tests (this is for urinary infections, you will need to get instructions from your GP/nurse on how to conduct an at home urine dipstick test). Most people will not need to do this; people with physical disability are more likely to need these precautions.

If you are put on antibiotics ALWAYS complete the course (i.e. finish the pack) even if you are feeling better. The bacteria if not completely treated by the antibiotics can become resistant. Infections that do not respond to antibiotics are a serious problem; finish ALL the tablets.