Viral and Bacterial Infections

Elevated temperature supports immune function during viral illness. Bacterial infections tend to be localised, affecting a specific area such as the lymph nodes, urinary tract, or gastrointestinal tract. Viral infections typically present systemically, causing body aches, chills, general malaise, and widespread fatigue. Bacterial infections tend to produce higher fevers than viral infections. B1 is a required co-factor for mitochondrial ATP production; without it, energy production collapses regardless of food intake or rest. Post-COVID fatigue is directly linked to vitamin B1 (thiamine) depletion caused by the COVID-19 infection. Fever is a relevant physiological response specifically in the context of viral infections. Mycoplasmas become opportunistically active when cortisol is elevated under stress, exploiting the same immune suppression pathway as viruses. Epstein-Barr virus can reactivate from dormancy under high stress, manifesting as chronic fatigue, achy joints, or flu-like symptoms rather than full illness. Elevated cortisol from stress paralyzes white blood cells, suppressing immune surveillance and allowing dormant pathogens to re-emerge. Mycoplasmas evade the immune s…