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Secondary infections

 

A secondary infection is an infection that occurs during or after treatment for another infection. It may be caused by the first treatment or by changes in the body or immune system that allow a second infection.

Two examples of a secondary infection are:

  • A vaginal yeast infection after taking antibiotics to treat an infection caused by bacteria
  • Pneumonia caused by bacteria or fungi after having an upper respiratory infection (like a cold) that was caused by a virus

 

Open References

References

Clifton IJ, Ellames DAB. Respiratory medicine. In: Penman ID, Ralston SH, Strachan MWJ, Hobson RP, eds. Davidson's Principles and Practice of Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 17.

Dockrell DH, Sundar S, Angus BJ. Infectious disease. In: Penman ID, Ralston SH, Strachan MWJ, Hobson RP, eds. Davidson's Principles and Practice of Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 13.

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  • Secondary infection

    Secondary infection

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  • Immune system structures

    Immune system structures

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    • Secondary infection

      Secondary infection

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    • Immune system structures

      Immune system structures

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    A Closer Look

     

      Talking to your MD

       

        Self Care

         

          Tests for Secondary infections

           
             

            Review Date: 8/26/2023

            Reviewed By: Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Associate Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Associate in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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