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Systemic

Systemic means affecting the entire body, rather than a single organ or body part.

For example, systemic disorders, such as high blood pressure, or systemic diseases, such as influenza (the flu), affect the entire body.

An infection that is in the bloodstream is called a systemic infection.

An infection that affects only one body part or organ is called a localized infection.

References

Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis Company; 2021. www.tabers.com/tabersonline/view/Tabers-Dictionary/734145/all/systemic. Accessed December 16, 2024.

Review Date 1/1/2025

Review Date 1/1/2025 has been expanded.

Updated by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor Emeritus, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.