An infectious disease is typically passed through direct contact with another
person who has contracted a bacterial, fungal, parasitic, or viral infection
and spreads it through these germs. Our infectious disease specialists
at Baxter Health are highly knowledgeable and trained to diagnose, treat,
and manage infectious diseases, some of which can be cured. However, others
are chronic, meaning ongoing and lifelong infections.
What Is Infectious Disease?
Bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites can cause an infection spread from
person to person, or in rarer cases, from animals and insects to a person.
Although many infections are harmless in the long run, others can cause
serious illness or death without prompt treatment. Signs and symptoms
of an infectious disease vary depending on what type you have, but often
start with a fever and fatigue. Some viruses, like the common cold, respond
well to home remedies like rest and drinking plenty of fluids, while others,
like measles, are life-threatening and require a hospital stay and continuous care.
The most important way you can prevent infectious disease is through vaccination.
Although not all infectious diseases have a vaccine, the ones that do
protect yourself and those around you. Another way to protect yourself
is to practice safe sex, as sexually transmitted infections (STIs/STDs)
are preventable through regular condom use, especially if you are sexually
active with non-monogamous partners. You can also protect yourself by
practicing good personal hygiene and not sharing your personal hygiene
items with others.
Do I Have an Infectious Disease?
Common signs of infectious disease are:
Unexplained high fever
Diarrhea
Fatigue
Muscle aches
Persistent coughing
Rashes
Shortness of breath
Sudden vision changes
Our infectious disease specialists in Mountain Home are here to help. For
more information about how you can recover and stay healthy, please contact
our hospital or visit our Emergency Department right away.
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