Infectious Diseases

What does an Infectious Disease Physician do?

An Infectious Disease Physician is a medical doctor who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, pneumonia, sexually transmitted diseases, diseases carried by ticks or mosquitos, urinary tract infections, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, wounds that aren’t healing, wound infections, and skin infections. Infectious Disease Physicians play a critical role in managing and preventing infectious disease spread, contributing to individual patient care and public health efforts.

When do you need to see an Infectious Disease Physician?

You may need to see an Infectious Disease Physician in various situations, including:

• Suspected or Confirmed Infection: When you have symptoms of an infection, mainly if it's severe, persistent, or not responding to initial treatment, it's important to seek evaluation by an Infectious Disease Physician. They can diagnose the specific infection and recommend appropriate treatment.

• Complex or Unusual Infections: If you have a rare, atypical, or difficult to diagnose or treat, an Infectious Disease Physician can provide specialized expertise and guidance.

• Recurrent Infections: If you experience frequent or recurrent infections, especially if they are causing significant health issues, an Infectious Disease Physician can help identify underlying causes and develop prevention strategies.

• Travel Medicine: If you're planning international travel, especially to areas with known health risks or where specific vaccinations are required, a Travel Medicine specialist, often an Infectious Disease Physician, can provide advice, vaccinations, and guidance on staying healthy during your trip.

• Pre-Travel Consultation: Before embarking on a journey to regions with endemic diseases, it's advisable to consult with an Infectious Disease Physician for vaccinations, prophylactic medications, and health precautions to minimize the risk of infection.

• HIV/AIDS Care: For individuals with HIV/AIDS, Infectious Disease Physicians specialize in managing this condition, providing antiretroviral therapy, monitoring viral load, and addressing related health concerns.

• Immunization and Vaccination: If you or your child require vaccinations, including routine immunizations or particular vaccines for travel, school, or employment, an Infectious Disease Physician can administer them and guide immunization schedules.

• Post-Exposure Prophylaxis: In cases of potential exposure to contagious diseases (e.g., after a needlestick injury or contact with someone with a contagious illness), an Infectious Disease Physician can assess the risk and recommend appropriate post-exposure prophylaxis or monitoring.

• Chronic Infections: If you have a chronic infection, such as hepatitis B or C, tuberculosis, or an opportunistic infection in the context of immunosuppression, an Infectious Disease Physician can provide ongoing care and management.

• Antibiotic Stewardship: Hospitals and healthcare facilities often involve Infectious Disease Physicians in antibiotic stewardship programs to ensure that antibiotics are used appropriately and that patients receive the most effective treatment while minimizing the risk of antibiotic resistance.

If you or your healthcare provider suspect an infectious disease or have concerns related to infections, it's a good idea to seek consultation with an Infectious Disease Physician. They can provide specialized care, help with diagnosis, recommend appropriate treatments, and offer guidance on prevention and infection control.

How do Infectious Diseases Physicians work with other physicians?

Our Infectious Disease Physicians work collaboratively with other physicians and healthcare professionals in various ways to provide comprehensive patient care and address infectious diseases effectively. After being referred to an Infectious Disease Physician, you may be requested to schedule one or several follow-up appointments with the specialist. These visits are intended to assess test results, track your treatment progress, and ensure the complete eradication of the infection. The Infectious Disease physician may continue follow-up visits until they are confident the infection will not resurface.

Effective communication and collaboration among healthcare providers are essential for delivering optimal care to our patients with infectious diseases. Infectious Disease Physicians serve as valuable resources and experts in coordinating care, offering expert advice, and ensuring patients receive the most appropriate and timely treatments.