Final answer:
True, fever, chills, and mental confusion are symptoms of a systemic infection, which occurs when an infection spreads throughout the body, prompting a widespread immune response. These symptoms can be severe, potentially affecting multiple organs and systems, and should be assessed by medical professionals.
Step-by-step explanation:
True, fever, chills, and mental confusion are indeed symptoms of a systemic infection. These symptoms often occur when an infection spreads throughout the body and triggers a widespread immune response. The presence of fever indicates that the body's immune system is releasing pyrogens, which cause the body temperature to increase, attempting to create unfavorable conditions for pathogens. Chills are commonly associated with fever as the body's temperature rises and falls. Mental confusion can be present in severe cases, especially if the infection affects the central nervous system, as seen in conditions such as meningitis caused by Neisseria meningitidis.
Systemic infections can manifest through a range of symptoms. Some examples include fever with recurring flu-like signs, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle pain, and in severe cases could lead to jaundice, pulmonary hemorrhaging, meningitis, or even death. When infections such as influenza, pneumonia, or tuberculosis go untreated or are severe, they can progress from a local infection to a systemic one, affecting multiple organs and systems.
Overall, symptoms such as fever, chills, and mental confusion are concerning and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to determine the cause and appropriate treatment plan.