Infectious diseases are caused by organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites. Infectious disease can spread in a variety of ways – from person to person, through animal or insect bites or from contaminated food or water. Signs and symptoms vary, but often include fever and fatigue. Mild infections may respond to rest and home remedies, while some life-threatening infections may require hospitalization.
Through the use of vaccines, antibiotics and other treatments, we create a personalized plan to meet your specific care needs.
Infectious diseases we treat
Some common infectious conditions our doctors treat include:
- Abdominal infections
- Bacterial infections, including pneumonia, endocarditis and abscesses
- Blood infections, such as bacteremia and sepsis
- Common cold
- Drug-resistant infections such as MRSA
- E. coli
- HIV and AIDS
- Influenza
- Lyme disease
- Measles
- Meningitis
- Mononucleosis
- Orthopedic infections
- Shingles
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
- Tuberculosis
How we diagnose infectious diseases
Our team may use one or more of these tests to diagnose an infectious disease:
- Blood tests
- CT scan
- Lumbar puncture (also called spinal tap)
- PCR (polymerase chain reaction) technology – Rapid diagnosis for respiratory infections, central nervous infections, diarrheal infections and some blood-stream infections
- Urinary, mucus or fecal cultures
How we treat infectious diseases
If you contract an infectious disease, medication often will be the first step. The doctor may prescribe:
- Antibiotics
- Antivirals
- Antifungals
- Vaccines and immunizations for prevention
Our specialty outpatient services include:
- Travel consults, which will allow you to get prepare before you travel abroad, like getting vaccinated.
- Wound care consultations and treatments if you are diagnosed with an infection or fever of unknown origins or a condition for which infection may suspected.
Our experts will work with your primary care physician to recommend additional treatments, if necessary, based on your condition, health and lifestyle.
Prevent the spread of infectious disease
Every day, you and your family may come into contact with organisms that can cause mild to severe infectious diseases. There are steps you can take to prevent illness, including keeping up with the proper vaccines during childhood and adulthood. The single most important thing you can do to prevent the spread of infection is to wash your hands regularly.
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