what does it mean if your white blood cell count is high

A high white blood cell count, also called leukocytosis, means that there are more white blood cells in the blood than normal. It often indicates that the immune system is actively responding to something in the body. Most commonly, it signals the body is fighting an infection like bacteria, viruses, or fungi. It can also reflect inflammation, physical or emotional stress, or an immune system disorder. Less commonly, a high white blood cell count could suggest more serious conditions such as certain blood cancers (like leukemia) or bone marrow disorders. Therefore, it usually means the body is trying to fight off an illness, but sometimes further investigation is needed to rule out more severe causes.