Sometimes, an infection can be more complicated than it seems. Your primary care doctor or another healthcare provider may refer you to an infectious disease specialist when you need expert care for serious, unusual or recurring infections.
Experts care for complex
recurrent or difficult-to-diagnose.
infections
When should you see an Infectious Disease Specialist?
Complex or Severe Infections
- Persistent or unexplained fevers that don’t improve with regular care
- Severe infections with bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites needing advanced treatment
- Bone, joint, or deep tissue infections (like osteomyelitis or abscesses)
- Infections related to surgery, implanted devices or prosthetic joints
- Infections of the blood (sepsis), heart (endocarditis) or brain (including the spine and nerves)
- Infections after surgery or involving medical devices like prosthetic joints or pacemakers
- Drug resistant infections that don’t respond to standard antibiotics
Patients with Weakened Immune Systems
- Infections in cancer patients, those with organ transplants or people on medications that weaken their immune system
- HIV care – including newly diagnosed patients, those already on treatment, or people without HIV that want to take medication to help them not get infected (PrEP)
- Chronic viral infections like hepatitis B and C
- Recurrent infections that keep coming back
Travel and Unusual Ilinesses
- Infections related to travel to other countries or where certain infections are common
- Tuberculosis (TB) and other uncommon lung infections (like Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria – MAC)
- Unusual or rare infections that need expert evaluation (like Valley Fever).
- Uncommon or difficult-to-diagnose infections
Special Situations
- Infections during pregnancy that may affect the mother or the baby
- Evaluation of abnormal test results suggesting infection or inflammation
- Non-healing wounds that need expert attention
- Second opinions for complex cases or long-term antibiotic use
Special Situations
- HIV Prevention (PrEP) and management
- Vaccinations and travel medicine advice
- Antibiotic stewardship – helping avoid unnecessary antibiotic use
We’re Here to Help!
If you or your doctor think you may need specialized care for an infection, Academic Infectious Disease Physicians are here to provide expert evaluation and treatment.
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