What is the final stage of infection, indicating recovery of the patient?

The convalescent stage is recognized as the final stage of infection that indicates the patient's recovery. During this phase, the symptoms of the illness diminish, and the patient's overall health begins to return to normal. This stage is characterized by a gradual recovery, where the body is repairing itself and regaining strength after fighting off the infection.

In contrast, the acute stage signifies the period of maximum intensity of the infection, where symptoms are most severe. The declining stage follows the acute phase and involves the reduction of symptoms, but it is not the final stage of recovery; it is more of a transitional phase. The incubation stage, on the other hand, refers to the period after exposure to the pathogen and before symptoms appear, which is earlier in the infection timeline, not indicative of recovery. Thus, the convalescent stage is properly identified as the phase demonstrating a return to health.