Can people live with bone infection? Does it need to be treated?
Systemic infection People can live with bone infection for years as long as the bacteria do not enter the bloodstream and cause the rest of the body to become sick. Signs of systemic infection include fever, chills, rapid heartbeat, and low blood pressure. Systemic spread of bone infection occurs infrequently; it can, however, occur more commonly in a person who becomes weakened from other medical illnesses. Other parts of the body Bacteria that enter the bloodstream can travel to other parts of the body, such as the heart and the joints. The affected heart can become weakened because of damaged valves. The affected joints can become swollen and painful. The bacteria and the white blood cells that fight the bacteria can eat away at joint cartilage if not immediately treated by surgical washing. If the bacteria continue to live in the joints, it is likely that severe permanent arthritis will occur as residual damage. Cancer Infrequently, when bone infection has been present and draining
