Florida Infectious Disease Care

General Infectious Diseases

What We Offers

General Infectious Diseases

General infectious diseases are illnesses caused by harmful microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. These microorganisms can spread from one person to another in a variety of ways. Here are some common methods of transmission, along with examples for each:

Direct Contact

Infections can spread through skin-to-skin contact or touching surfaces contaminated by an infected person.
Examples: The common cold, cellulitis (a bacterial skin infection), herpes simplex virus (cold sores or genital herpes), skin infections like impetigo, or staph infections.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

These occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract, often causing pain or burning during urination.
Example: E. coli is the most common cause of UTIs, which can lead to symptoms like frequent urination, lower abdominal pain, and fever.

Sexual Contact

Some infections are spread through unprotected sexual activity, including vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
Examples: Herpes simplex virus (genital herpes), HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.

Respiratory Droplets

When an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, they release droplets that can be inhaled by others nearby.
Examples: Influenza (flu), COVID-19, and the common cold.

Contaminated Food or Water

Consuming food or water that's contaminated with harmful microorganisms can lead to infections.
Examples: Salmonella, E. coli, or norovirus

Insect Bites

Certain insects can carry and transmit diseases when they bite or sting.
Examples: Malaria (spread by mosquitoes), Lyme disease (spread by ticks), and West Nile virus.

What We Offers

Specialities and Services

HIV PrEP
A preventive treatment for individuals at high risk of HIV infection. PrEP helps prevent HIV transmission before exposure, while PEP is an emergency treatment taken after possible HIV exposure to reduce the risk of infection.
Doxy PrEP for STI

A newer preventive treatment using doxycycline, an antibiotic, to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis in at-risk individuals, particularly those engaging in high-risk sexual activity.

MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)

A type of bacteria resistant to many common antibiotics, often causing skin infections, pneumonia, or bloodstream infections.

Orthopedic Infection

Infections affecting bones or joints, typically after surgery, injury, or medical devices like joint replacements.

Surgical Infection

Infections occurring after surgery, such as at the surgical site or deeper tissue, requiring careful antibiotic treatment.

Endocarditis

A life-threatening infection of the heart’s inner lining, often caused by bacteria entering the bloodstream.

Sepsis

A severe body-wide response to infection, causing inflammation and potentially leading to organ failure.

Transplant Infection

Infections that occur after organ transplantation due to immunosuppressive medications that weaken the body’s defenses.

Osteomyelitis

A bone infection, usually caused by bacteria, which can occur after trauma or surgery.

Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO)

A prolonged fever without an identifiable cause after extensive testing, often requiring specialist evaluation.

HIV/AIDS

HIV weakens the immune system, leading to AIDS when untreated, making the body vulnerable to other infections.

STD (Sexually Transmitted Diseases)

Infections spread through sexual contact, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.

Fungal Infections

Infections caused by fungi, such as athlete’s foot, ringworm, or more serious systemic infections like histoplasmosis.

Cellulitis

A bacterial skin infection that leads to redness, swelling, and pain, often on the legs or arms.

Hepatitis B and C

Viral infections affecting the liver, causing inflammation, liver damage, and increased risk of liver cancer.

Outpatient Infusion

A treatment where fluids, antibiotics, or other medications are administered intravenously outside of a hospital setting.

C. difficile (C. diff)

A bacterial infection of the colon, often caused by antibiotics, leading to diarrhea, abdominal pain, and potentially life-threatening complications.

Pneumonia

An infection of the lungs, typically caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, leading to symptoms like cough, fever, and difficulty breathing.

Shingles

A viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, characterized by painful rashes and blisters, often along one side of the body.

Influenza (Flu)

A contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses, leading to symptoms like fever, fatigue, and body aches.

Candidiasis

A fungal infection caused by the yeast Candida, commonly affecting the mouth, genital area, or bloodstream.

Mycobacterium Infection

Infections caused by mycobacteria, including tuberculosis and non-tuberculous mycobacteria, affecting lungs, skin, or other organs.

Infection Control

Strategies and practices aimed at preventing the spread of infections in healthcare settings, including hand hygiene, sterilization, and vaccination.

Travel Medicine

Medical care focused on preventing travel-related diseases, including vaccinations, advice on insect-borne diseases, and managing chronic conditions while abroad.

Skin & Soft Tissue Infection

Infections affecting the skin and underlying tissues, such as abscesses, cellulitis, or infections from cuts, burns, or surgeries.

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