Why should signs of infection be reported promptly in patients on long-term corticosteroids?

• A. Because corticosteroids can suppress the immune response and mask infection
• B. Because infection signs always indicate severe infection
• C. Because corticosteroids have no effect on infection
• D. Because you should avoid monitoring for infection

Answer: (A)

Long-term corticosteroid therapy dampens the body's immune and inflammatory responses, so infections can develop and progress with fewer or no typical clues. Because fever and other signs of inflammation may be blunted, an infection can be present even when obvious symptoms aren’t evident. Reporting signs of infection promptly allows clinicians to evaluate for occult infection, obtain appropriate tests or cultures, and start treatment early to prevent rapid deterioration. It’s not accurate to say infection signs always indicate severe infection, and corticosteroids do affect infection risk and presentation, so monitoring is essential rather than unnecessary.