What stage follows the infection in the disease process?

Following the infection in the disease process, the progression of symptoms is a critical stage where the effects of the pathogen become apparent in the host. This stage involves the development and exacerbation of various signs and symptoms, which can vary depending on the type of infection and the individual's response. It is during this time that the body experiences the full impact of the disease, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe.

The progression of symptoms is crucial for diagnosis and treatment, as healthcare providers assess the severity and nature of the signs presented. Understanding this phase helps in determining the appropriate interventions and monitoring the effectiveness of treatments.

Other stages, such as recovery phase or immunity development, typically occur after the progression of symptoms has taken place, while the pathological stage can also describe the ongoing effects of an infection and may overlap with symptomatology but does not specifically denote the visible manifestation of symptoms that follow the initial infection.