Which of the following would NOT be considered a sign of infection?

An increased appetite is generally not associated with infection; rather, it often indicates a normal or healthy state. Typically, when the body is fighting an infection, several physiological responses occur that can lead to a reduction in appetite. This is due to the body's energy being redirected toward combating the infection, in addition to potential systemic effects like nausea or discomfort, which could reduce the desire to eat.

In contrast, fever, pain at the site of infection, and redness or swelling are all classic signs that suggest the presence of an infection. Fever occurs as the body raises its temperature to create an environment less favorable for pathogens. Pain often arises from inflammation and irritation of tissues, while redness and swelling are local inflammatory responses indicating an ongoing immune response to an injury or infection. Therefore, recognizing these signs is essential in identifying and treating infections effectively.