An infectious disease specialist is a medical professional who has been trained to prevent, diagnose, and treat infectious diseases. They see patients who are exhibiting signs or symptoms of infectious disease and perform a variety of tests to determine the type of disease and prevent it from spreading.
To become an infectious disease specialist, a person must first complete an undergraduate program and then attend four years of medical school. After graduating from medical school, they must complete three years of training as a doctor of internal medicine and another three years of specialized training in infectious diseases. Most infectious disease specialists also choose to become certified and do so by passing a test administered by the American Board of Internal Medicine.
Infectious disease specialists treat illnesses and diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. Their main goal is to prevent the spread of these diseases, but they can treat them too. Some of the most common infectious diseases treated by infectious disease specialists include:
Infectious disease specialists not only have to identify the disease but also the parasite or problem that causes it. They may do a variety of tests to diagnose the condition or infection and may perform them themselves or order the tests from other specialists or healthcare professionals. Some of the most common tests include:
Most infectious diseases are treated with antibiotics. There are different types of antibiotics that are more effective at treating certain infectious diseases than others. Some common treatments include:
Many people don’t realize they have an infectious disease until they have already exposed others to it or are referred to an infectious disease specialist by their family doctor. The symptoms of many infectious diseases can mimic those of the common cold or the flu, so many people fail to get treatment until their symptoms become severe. You should see an infectious disease expert if you experience any of the following:
Infectious Diseases Society of America
This post was last modified on July 26, 2023 4:08 pm
Spider veins are a common cosmetic concern for many people, causing small, visible veins to appear just beneath the surface… Read More
Digital Signage for Hospitals: Streamlining Communication in Hospitals SEO description: The use of digital signage for hospitals transforms the way… Read More
Oxygen is the most critical element for human survival, and in scenarios where oxygen levels are compromised, having access to… Read More
In the world of competitive sports and bodybuilding, serious athletes are always on the lookout for reliable, high-quality supplements to… Read More
Car accidents can change lives, causing long-term injuries that affect physical health, finances, and emotional well-being. Recognizing these effects is… Read More
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious condition that can result from various forms of negligence, such as car accidents,… Read More
It sucks to be on a tight budget. You have to pick and choose what you buy at the grocery… Read More
We’ve all laid in bed tossing and turning, not being able to sleep. But what if this is happening to… Read More
Addiction can profoundly impact every aspect of an individual’s life, from their physical health to their relationships, career, and spiritual… Read More
The mental health landscape for teenagers is increasingly concerning. Adolescence is a period fraught with changes—physically, emotionally, and socially—that can… Read More