Which sign or symptom can indicate a systemic infection?

Nausea can indicate a systemic infection because it is a common systemic response to infection. When the body is fighting an infection, it releases various chemicals that can affect multiple organ systems, including the gastrointestinal system. This response can lead to nausea as the body attempts to deal with an infection that is not localized to one area but rather is impacting the entire system.

Localized pain typically suggests a specific area of injury or infection rather than a systemic issue. A skin rash may indicate an allergic reaction or a localized infection, but it does not necessarily imply that there is a systemic infection present. Swelling can also be a sign of localized inflammation or infection and doesn’t specifically denote a systemic reaction. Hence, nausea is more directly associated with a broader, systemic level response, making it a clearer indicator of a systemic infection.