Infectious Disease

Providing the Best in Laboratory Medicine

Welcome to the Department of Infectious Disease at Crystal Run. Infectious disease (ID) physicians diagnose and treat a wide variety of diseases caused by organisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.

Infectious diseases can affect the sinuses, heart, brain, lungs, urinary tract, bowel, bones, and pelvic organs. They are not always transmitted from person to person—in some cases, infectious diseases are transmitted by animal or insect bites; in others, they are acquired by eating or drinking contaminated food or water; or from exposure to environmental organisms.

Some infectious disease doctors treat infectious diseases generally, while others specialize in conditions affecting a particular area of the body. Others specialize in treating patients with infections due to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the cause of AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome).

Infectious Disease Symptoms

Signs and symptoms will vary depending on the organism causing the infection. Common symptoms of an infection include fever and fatigue. Others can include diarrhea, muscle aches, and coughing.

While many infections are mild and clear up on their own with rest and proper hydration, some can be serious or life-threatening. See a doctor immediately if you or your child:

• Are having difficulty breathing
• Have been coughing for more than a week
• Have a rash or swelling
• Experience prolonged or extreme fever
• Have sudden vision problems
• Have been bitten by an animal (including insects)

Vaccines can help protect against infectious diseases like chickenpox, tuberculosis, tetanus, and many others. You can also greatly reduce your risk of acquiring many infectious diseases by thorough and frequent hand-washing.

Useful Links:

CDC – Center for Disease Control

NY State Department of Health