How come our immune systems seem to have more controlled and mild reactions to fungal and viral infections but whenever a bacterial infection shows up the immune system flips out? For example, ringworm is casued by a fungus and it usually just scratchy but pimples caused by bacteria create a lot of pus and swelling and can be very painful. Another example would be getting a cold that would just make you cough and sneeze but a bacterial infection in the lungs would cause pneumonia.
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Your premise is incorrect. It may seem like it that bacterial infection are more severe because you probably hear about more bacteria, but there are plenty of serious reactions to non-bacterial infections.
Just look at the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). The most dangerous thing about it is that it causes what’s called a cytokine storm, where your immune goes so haywire that it starts attacking your own organs and potentially causing organ failure.
Even the seasonal flu can lead to some severe symptoms if left untreated. You can literally poop yourself to death from dehydration if you don’t stay on top of your fluid intake.
The human papilloma virus (HPV) is another fun one. Most strains are harmless or, at worst, lead to worts or mild lesions. But 2 strains in particular are the leading cause of cervical cancer in women.
Im pretty sure there are some nasty fungal infections out there as well, but none that I can think of off the top of my head.
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