What is a common symptom of a bloodborne pathogen infection?

A common symptom of a bloodborne pathogen infection is fever and skin rashes. When the body encounters a bloodborne pathogen, such as viruses or bacteria that are transmitted through blood, the immune system responds by activating inflammatory processes. Fever often occurs as the body attempts to fight off the infection, which indicates an immune response. Skin rashes can also manifest due to the body's reaction to the pathogen, sometimes resulting from direct effects on the skin or as a systemic reaction.

Increased appetite, loss of smell, and improved immune function are not typical symptoms associated with bloodborne pathogen infections. In fact, infections usually lead to a loss of appetite due to illness, and sensory changes like loss of smell are more commonly associated with specific infections, like viruses affecting the respiratory system. Improved immune function is not a symptom but rather a goal of the body's response to infection; the symptoms of an infection tend to reflect the body's struggle against the pathogen rather than an improvement in health.