What Is An Infectious Disease?
The realm of infectious diseases can often feel overwhelming and intimidating. At Ascentist Healthcare, we recognize the mix of emotions you might be experiencing, including anxiety, fear, and uncertainty. Our commitment extends beyond providing top-tier medical expertise—our infectious disease team is devoted to standing by your side with compassion, understanding, and unwavering support during treatment.
Infectious disease medicine is focused on diagnosing, managing, and treating infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Ascentist infectious disease specialists not only help diagnos and treat patients with common conditions like the flu or urinary tract infections but also address complex and potentially life-threatening diseases like HIV.
Antimicrobial therapy, when needed, is chosen based on the type of infection, safety, and other patient-specific factors. Sometimes these infections are more complicated and may require multiple visits for comprehensive treatment.
At Ascentist Healthcare, we want you to know that you’re not alone on this journey—our infectious disease specialists work closely with the primary care doctor and other treating providers as part of the patient’s medical team and are committed to understanding your individual story, your unique concerns, and offering treatments tailored specifically to you.
Infectious Disease Conditions We Treat
- Head and neck infections
- Diabetic Foot Infections
- Cellulitis
- Surgical Wound Infections
- Acute Tick-Borne Infection
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
- Epstein Barre Virus
- Zoster
- Lung infections
- Abdominal infections
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
- Urinary tract infections
- Bloodstream infection care
- Skin and soft tissue infections
- Bone and joint infections
- HIV
- Hepatitis C
- Hepatitis B
- Tuberculosis
- Pneumonia
- Implanted device infections
- Cancer-related infection care
- Immunodeficiency-related infection care
Infectious Disease Treatments We Offer
- Antimicrobial therapy, including intravenous antibiotic management
- HIV care
- PrEP care
- Gender-affirming care
- Vaccines
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an infectious disease specialist do?
An infectious disease specialist diagnoses and treats infections. They may work in hospitals, research institutions, or private practice and often consult with other healthcare providers to manage complicated cases.
When should you see an infectious disease specialist?
You should consult an infectious disease specialist for recurrent infections, unusually severe infections, or if you have been exposed to a known infectious disease. Immunocompromised individuals should also seek specialized care.
How do infectious disease specialists diagnose conditions?
Diagnosis usually involves a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, and sometimes imaging studies. Diagnostic methods can include blood tests, urine tests, tissue samples, and more.
Are infectious diseases always contagious?
No, not all infectious diseases are contagious. Some infections, like tetanus, are not transmitted from person to person but are acquired through environmental exposure.
How are infectious diseases prevented?
Prevention methods vary depending on the disease but can include vaccination, improved hygiene, public health interventions, and in some cases, prophylactic medications.
