Explain in your own words "opportunistic infections".

Opportunistic infections are infections that occur in individuals with weakened immune systems. These infections are caused by organisms that are normally harmless or even present in the body, but are able to cause illness when the immune system is compromised. This can happen in people with conditions such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, or those taking immunosuppressive medications. Opportunistic infections can be serious and even life-threatening, as the body is unable to fight off the infection effectively.

Opportunistic infections are infections that take advantage of weakened immune systems. They are caused by microorganisms that are usually harmless to people with healthy immune systems, but can cause serious infections in people with weakened immune systems.

Weakened immune systems can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

- HIV/AIDS
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Organ transplants
- Long-term steroid use

Opportunistic infections can cause a variety of symptoms, depending on the type of infection. Some common symptoms include:

- Fever
- Chills
- Night sweats
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Skin rashes
- Swollen lymph nodes

Opportunistic infections can be serious and even life-threatening. Early diagnosis and treatment is important to prevent serious complications. Treatment typically involves antibiotics or other medications to kill the infection. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove infected tissue.