An infection characterized by a short duration and severe symptoms is known as what type of infection?

An infection characterized by a short duration and severe symptoms is classified as an acute infection. Acute infections typically develop rapidly, showing pronounced symptoms that can be severe, but they may resolve quickly, often within days to weeks. This type of infection is contrasted with chronic infections, which last for a longer duration and can be persistent but may present with milder symptoms over time. Subacute infections fall in between acute and chronic, having a timeframe that is not as rapidly severe as acute but doesn't last as long as chronic. Latent infections are those that can remain inactive for periods before re-emerging, often without showing any symptoms during their inactive phase. The defining characteristics of acute infections—rapid onset and severity—make them distinct from these other types.