Infectious Disease Doctor Near Monroeville, PA
Infectious diseases can be extremely dangerous to an individual’s health, as well as highly contagious. Given these risks, the diagnosis, treatment, and management of serious infections and diseases can sometimes require the attention of a highly-trained and experienced specialist.
To meet these needs for our patients, the hospitalists at Premier Medical Associates collaborate with the infectious disease doctors at AHN Forbes Hospital and UPMC East. These specialists then work with our primary care doctors on the diagnosis and treatment of challenging conditions that require advanced training in infections and immunology. They also provide insight and support when treatment challenges arise particularly when antibiotics are being used. If you’re in need of a specialized diagnosis or treatment, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us!
Premier Medical Associates, an affiliate of the Allegheny Health Network, is the largest multi-specialty physician practice in the Greater Pittsburgh area. At AHN Forbes Hospital and UPMC East, our infectious disease team works with Premier hospitalists in treating specific infectious diseases that may pose a serious health risk and/or may be contagious. They also provide insight and support when treatment challenges arise particularly when antibiotics are being used.
FAQs on Infectious Disease:
What Is An Infectious Disease?
“Infectious disease” can describe a range of disorders caused by organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. Part of the reason infectious diseases require specialized care is because they come in such a wide variety of presentations. However, they all occur when an organism “infects,” or enters, your body.
We all have organisms living inside of us, and most of them are harmless. However, these types of organisms can cause disease:
- Bacteria, which are tiny organisms that cause illnesses such as urinary tract infections, Lyme disease, and strep throat.
- Viruses, which are even smaller organisms that cause mild illnesses like upper respiratory infections (cold and flu) and hand foot and mouth disease, but can also cause severe diseases such as AIDS and ebola.
- Fungi, which can infect your skin and cause illnesses such as ringworm and athlete’s foot.
- Parasites, which are microscopic animals who attach to other organisms and cause illnesses such as giardia and malaria.
Where Might I Contract One Of These Diseases?
Disease-causing organisms can enter your body in a variety of ways. The most common way is direct contact with the organism, usually in an exchange between two people or between a person an animal. Infectious diseases can also spread through insect bites, food or water contamination, or touching an object where germs linger (such as a sink or doorknob).
How Will You Treat My Disease? What Should I Expect During My Visit?
Each type of disease-causing organism has its own weakness that can be taken advantage of during care:
- Your doctor can prescribe you antibiotics for strep throat or other bacterial diseases.
- If you are dealing with a viral infection, it can only be treated by managing your symptoms while you wait for it to leave your body or die.
- Fungi and parasites are often treated with specific antifungal medications, antiparasitic medication, and/or procedures as needed.
Whatever your condition, the specialists we work with at Premier Medical Associates will provide you with an accurate diagnosis and help you develop a treatment plan that works for you.
Premier Medical Associates, an affiliate of the Allegheny Health Network, is the largest multi-specialty physician practice in the Greater Pittsburgh area. At AHN Forbes Hospital and UPMC East, our infectious disease team works with Premier hospitalists in treating specific infectious diseases that may pose a serious health risk and/or may be contagious.