Why do I need an Infectious Disease Specialist?

An Infectious Disease (ID) specialist is a physician with advanced training in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions resulting from all types of infections, which are caused by micro-organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites. Because their training and experience covers a unique cross-section of medicine, ID specialists are often asked to evaluate and oversee challenging cases. Many common infections can be treated by your personal physician. It is in cases where an infection is difficult to diagnose, accompanied by a fever, or does not respond to treatment, that your doctor might refer you to an Infectious Disease specialist. Evaluation by an ID specialist can be done in the hospital or outpatient setting.

ID specialists also see travellers to foreign countries or locations where infection risk is higher. In these cases, ID specialists can help determine whether special immunizations or other preventive measures are necessary to protect them from disease. Returning travellers can also seek treatment for illnesses arising during or after their travels.