Infectious Disease Specialist

How do infectious diseases spread?

Infectious diseases are caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. They’re spread by:

• Exposure to coughs and sneezes of infected people
• Contact with contaminated food, water, and surfaces
• Contact with people who are infected, such as through kissing or sexual intercourse
• Contact with creatures that are infected, such as pets, livestock, and insects, including fleas and ticks

Infectious diseases can range from mild to severe, though less than 1% of bacteria actually cause disease in people.

What are the most common infectious diseases?

There are different types of infections that are often grouped, depending on where the infection is located in your body. The most common infections are:

Skin

Your skin helps to protect you but often takes a hit in its role, which results in skin infections. The most common skin infections are:

• Viral – shingles, herpes simplex, and warts
• Fungal – athlete’s foot and yeast infections
• Parasitic – body lice, head lice, and scabies
• Bacterial – cellulitis, impetigo, and staphylococcal infections

Ear

An ear infection is the most common cause of earaches. It can affect both adults and children, but children are more vulnerable. Infections that develop in the sinus cavities can infect the ear through the eustachian tube, the tube that connects your ear to your upper respiratory tract.

What are the symptoms of an infectious disease?

While they vary depending on the type of infection, common symptoms include:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea or vomiting
• Pain
• Skin redness
• Inflammation or swelling

Some symptoms are a result of your immune system fighting to get rid of the infection.

How are infectious diseases diagnosed and treated?

It can be difficult to determine what caused an infectious disease, but a workup that includes a physical exam, diagnostic testing such as blood work, and a medical history usually helps yield a diagnosis.

How the infection is treated depends on the type of infection and its severity. Viral infections, such as influenza and HIV, can be treated or managed more effectively with antiviral medications.

Antibiotics are often prescribed to fight bacterial infections, typically over a few days or a couple of weeks. Unfortunately, some bacteria have developed a resistance to antibiotics, and other treatments are necessary.

Rest assured that your Synergy Health physician will quickly devise a plan of action to diagnose, treat, and monitor your infection and improve your health. 

If you suspect that you have an infectious disease, call Synergy Health or request an appointment online today.