Infectious Disease Specialist

What are infectious diseases?

Infectious diseases are illnesses caused by microorganisms like viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. They can pass between people, or you can pick them up from your environment, animal contact, or insect bites. 

Infectious diseases range in severity and prevalence. Some of the common infectious diseases include:

• Common cold
• Influenza
• Chickenpox
• Lyme disease
• Measles
• Mumps
• Meningitis
• Pneumonia
• Salmonella infections
• E. coli
• Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
• Tetanus
• Viral hepatitis
• Whooping cough
• HIV/AIDS

Your immune system can fight off some infectious diseases, but in some cases, you need medication to eradicate the infection.

When should I talk to a doctor about infectious disease?

Infectious diseases cause many similar symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, muscle aches, and diarrhea. However, some diseases cause unique symptoms, like the blistery rash of chickenpox. 

You should make an appointment with the team at Physicians Medical Group of San Jose if you have:

• Trouble breathing
• Been coughing for more than a week
• A severe headache or fever
• A rash or swelling
• Sudden vision problems
• Unexplained or prolonged fever

If your child is showing signs of illness, you should bring them into Physicians Medical Group of San Jose if they have a persistent or high fever. 

How are infectious diseases diagnosed?

The team at Physicians Medical Group of San Jose offers thorough exams and tests to diagnose infectious diseases. For example, they may use blood tests, urinalysis, and throat swabs. When necessary, they might order a lumbar puncture or imaging scans like X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans. 

How are infectious diseases treated?

Treatment for infectious diseases depends on the specific illness. For example, bacterial infections, like strep throat, respond to antibiotics. Viruses, on the other hand, often go away with rest, or in severe cases, an antiviral medication. 

However, in many cases, preventive action can stop you and your family from getting sick in the first place. For example, make sure that your family is up-to-date on all their vaccinations, including annual flu shots. Also, making sure to wash your hands regularly, with soap and warm water, can prevent the spread of many infectious diseases. 

If you’re sexually active, make sure to use barrier contraceptives like condoms with new partners until you both have STD screenings and are fully committed to a monogamous relationship.

If you’re concerned about infectious diseases or think that you or a family member is ill, call your Physicians Medical Group of San Jose physician today. The provider may offer same-day appointments for your convenience.