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A device-associated infection refers to an infection that occurs as a result of the use of a medical device. These infections can happen when medical devices such as catheters, ventilators, or surgical implants are inserted into the body. The presence of these devices can create an entry point for bacteria or other pathogens, increasing the risk of infection.

Device-associated infections are a significant concern in healthcare settings as they can lead to prolonged hospital stays, increased healthcare costs, and even mortality in severe cases. Preventing these infections often involves strict adherence to infection control protocols, proper sterilization and handling of devices, and vigilant monitoring of patients with devices in place.

Common types of device-associated infections include catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs), ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs), and surgical site infections (SSIs). Preventive measures such as proper hand hygiene, use of sterile techniques during device insertion, and timely removal of devices when no longer needed are essential in reducing the incidence of device-associated infections.

A diabetic foot infection is a serious complication that can occur in individuals with diabetes. It typically arises from a break in the skin, often due to a foot ulcer, which becomes infected. Diabetic foot infections are a significant concern because diabetes can lead to poor circulation and nerve damage, making it difficult for the body to fight off infections and for wounds to heal properly.

Diabetic foot infections can lead to serious complications if not treated promptly and effectively. Therefore, it's crucial for individuals with diabetes to prioritize foot care and seek medical attention at the first sign of a foot injury or infection. Multidisciplinary care involving healthcare professionals such as podiatrists, wound care specialists, infectious disease specialists, and endocrinologists may be necessary to manage diabetic foot infections effectively.

Fever of unknown origin (FUO) refers to a condition where an individual experiences persistent fever (typically defined as a temperature exceeding 38.3°C or 100.9°F) for which the cause remains unidentified despite thorough medical assessment. This fever persists for a specified duration, typically at least three weeks, despite exhaustive diagnostic investigation.

FUO can be classified into several subtypes:

Classic FUO: Characterized by prolonged fever lasting more than three weeks without a diagnosed cause after comprehensive evaluation.

Nosocomial FUO: Arises in hospitalized patients who develop fever after spending at least 24 hours in the hospital.

Neutropenic FUO: Occurs in individuals with neutropenia, often observed in patients undergoing chemotherapy.

HIV-associated FUO: Manifests in individuals with HIV infection, where the cause of fever remains unknown despite evaluation.

Immunocompromised FUO: Seen in patients with weakened immune systems due to conditions such as organ transplantation, autoimmune diseases, or immunosuppressive medications.

The diagnostic process for FUO typically involves a detailed medical history, physical examination, laboratory analyses (including blood tests, cultures, and serological tests), imaging studies (such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI), and occasionally invasive procedures like biopsies. The objective is to pinpoint the underlying cause of the fever, which could stem from infectious diseases, inflammatory disorders, malignancies, or other less common conditions.

Treatment of FUO hinges on identifying and addressing the root cause. This may involve initiating empirical antibiotic therapy while awaiting culture results, administering anti-inflammatory medications for certain inflammatory conditions, or delivering targeted treatments for underlying diseases such as autoimmune disorders or malignancies.

Despite advancements in diagnostic methodologies, a small percentage of cases remain undiagnosed even after exhaustive evaluation. However, with a systematic approach and collaborative effort among various medical specialties, many cases of FUO can ultimately be resolved.

What is hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is a viral liver infection. Some people have only mild symptoms that last a couple of weeks, but hepatitis B can also lead to serious chronic ill health.

Acute hepatitis B develops within six months of exposure to the hepatitis B virus. It’s possible to recover from acute hepatitis B without treatment, after which you’re immune and can’t get the disease again. Sometimes an acute attack leads to chronic hepatitis B.

Chronic hepatitis B is incurable and can cause:

• Severe liver damage

• Cirrhosis (liver scarring)

• Liver cancer

The condition can be fatal in some cases.

How would I get hepatitis B?
The hepatitis B virus lives in body fluids, including blood and semen. You can get infected with hepatitis B if fluids from an infected person enter your body. This can happen during sex if your partner has hepatitis B, or when sharing drug-taking equipment like needles or syringes.

Mothers can pass hepatitis B to their babies when they give birth. You could also pick up hepatitis B if you touch open sores or infected blood, or share personal equipment like toothbrushes or medical devices with someone who has hepatitis B.

It’s possible to have hepatitis B and not realize it because you might not have any symptoms. That means you can catch hepatitis B even if the carrier thinks they’re healthy, and also pass on the infection to other people.

How can I avoid getting hepatitis B?
The most effective way to avoid infection with hepatitis B is through immunization. There is a safe vaccine available that you can get at Infectious Disease Associates & Travel Medicine Clinic. The vaccine enables your immune system to create antibodies that fight off the virus if it should ever enter your body.

All babies and children below the age of 19 should receive hepatitis B vaccinations. Certain groups who are more at risk of hepatitis B infection should also receive a vaccination, including people who have partners with the condition and those who are having sex without being in a long-term monogamous relationship.

If you’re not sure whether you need to have a hepatitis B vaccination, Infectious Disease Associates & Travel Medicine Clinic can advise you after looking at your risk factors.

How is hepatitis B treated?
There aren’t any specific medications for acute hepatitis B. Most people recover well, providing they rest, drink plenty of fluids, and receive proper nutrition. Chronic hepatitis B requires long-term expert care, which Infectious Disease Associates & Travel Medicine Clinic can provide.

You need to undergo regular checkups and have your liver monitored for signs of damage. Not all patients who have chronic hepatitis B need to take medication, but there are treatments available that can help those who do.

Call Infectious Disease Associates & Travel Medicine Clinic today to arrange testing or vaccination against hepatitis B, or book an appointment online.

What is hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C is a viral disease that affects your liver. It can result in mild short-term illness or chronic, lifelong infection.

Acute hepatitis C develops within six months of any exposure to the hepatitis C virus. In many cases, acute infection develops into chronic hepatitis C. Without treatment, chronic hepatitis C can lead to potentially life-threatening health problems, including:

• Liver damage

• Cirrhosis (scarring of the liver)

• Liver cancer

More than half the people who contract acute hepatitis C go on to develop chronic hepatitis C.

How would I get hepatitis C?
You can catch hepatitis C from the blood of someone who already has the virus. Most hepatitis C cases affect people who share needles and other equipment when taking drugs. It’s also possible to get infected if you suffer a needlestick injury in a health care setting such as a hospital or clinic.

It’s also possible for mothers to pass on hepatitis C to their babies. Less common ways of catching hepatitis C include sharing personal items that could have blood on them, like toothbrushes or razors, or getting a body piercing or tattoo from an unregulated provider. Some cases of hepatitis C are sexually transmitted.

You can get hepatitis C more than once, so even if you’ve had it and recovered successfully, you could catch the disease again.

What are the symptoms of hepatitis C?
In most cases, acute hepatitis C causes few if any symptoms. If you do have symptoms, they could include:

• Fever

• Fatigue

• Dark urine

• Clay-colored stools

• Abdominal pain

• Loss of appetite

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Joint pain

• Jaundice (yellow skin or eyes)

Chronic hepatitis C typically causes no symptoms either. You might feel extra tired or depressed, but these are symptoms of many other conditions, too.

It’s not until you start experiencing liver problems that you might have noticeable symptoms. It can take many years – over 20 in some cases – for this to happen.

Many cases of hepatitis C come to light during routine blood screenings without the patient having any idea they’re infected.

How is hepatitis C treated?
There’s no specific treatment for acute hepatitis C. If you’re sick or know you have the infection, your doctor should monitor you to see if you recover or develop chronic hepatitis C.

If you do develop chronic hepatitis C, there are medications available that cure more than 90% of cases. Treatment involves taking oral medication for between eight and 12 weeks.

Infectious Disease Associates & Travel Medicine Clinic provides expert, up-to-date treatment for patients who have chronic hepatitis C and help you deal with any complications.

There’s no vaccine against hepatitis C, but to help protect your liver, you should have vaccinations against hepatitis A, especially if you travel outside the United States, and hepatitis B.

Call Infectious Disease Associates & Travel Medicine Clinic today if you need further information about hepatitis C or book an appointment online.

What is international travel?
International travel means leaving the United States and visiting other countries around the world. This includes any country, even if it’s on the same continent as the United States, such as Mexico.

International travel between different countries is for work or leisure is common for many Americans. Travel today extends beyond North America and Europe to all parts of the world, including countries that pose additional health risks to travelers.

At present, most countries don’t require visitors to have specific immunizations before they can enter the country. However, vaccinating yourself against conditions that are more widespread where you’re going provides valuable protection.

What conditions might I need protection from overseas?
There are numerous conditions that you might need protection from if you’re traveling internationally. They are usually conditions that aren’t present in the United States or are currently very rare, such as:

• Rabies

• Diphtheria

• Typhoid

• Yellow Fever

• Japanese Encephalitis

• Malaria

You should also make sure your childhood immunizations for diseases like tetanus, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B are up to date before embarking on any international travel.

How do I know what travel vaccinations I need?
The experts at Infectious Disease Associates & Travel Medicine Clinic operate a full-service travel clinic that can provide you with the advice you need. They can review your existing immunization records and provide the appropriate vaccinations to optimize your health protection overseas.

When you make your international travel arrangements, contact Infectious Disease Associates & Travel Medicine Clinic as soon as possible. Some immunization programs can take up to eight weeks to complete, so it’s important to organize your vaccinations well in advance of your departure date.

What else should I consider before traveling overseas?
Before any type of international travel, it’s important to consider two key aspects:

Your health

You should visit your primary care provider for travel advice if you have any pre-existing conditions. It might be a good idea to have a checkup before traveling to make sure you don’t have any underlying health problems like high blood pressure that might need addressing.

Your destination

The CDC and US State Department travel advisories websites have up-to-date information about health concerns and other safety issues affecting countries around the world. It’s a good idea to check for any health warnings before you travel.

Find out how to prepare for your international travel by calling Infectious Disease Associates & Travel Medicine Clinic today or book an appointment online.

What is HIV?
HIV (humn immunodeficiency virus) is a sexually transmitted disease that affects your immune system. The virus attacks cells in the immune system called CD4 or T cells, which play a vital role in helping your body fight off infection.

As HIV progresses, it kills off so many T cells that your body is unable to defend itself against infections like pneumonia and illnesses like cancers.

When you reach the stage where you’ve lost so many T cells to HIV that you’re developing multiple infections, you’ve reached the final stage of the disease, which is AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).

There’s no cure for HIV or AIDS, so once you contract the disease, you have it forever. However, with expert treatment from Infectious Disease Associates & Travel Medicine Clinic, you can live a long and healthy life with HIV.

What are the symptoms of HIV?
When you first contract HIV, you might not have any symptoms at all, or you might experience flu-like symptoms for a couple of weeks. You can’t tell from these symptoms that you have HIV – there’s no way to know if you have HIV without undergoing testing.

Once the acute phase passes, you enter stage 2, which is called clinical latency. This means the HIV is far less active, and only reproducing at very low levels. Stage 2 can last for 10 years or more before the virus becomes active again.

Once the virus starts multiplying more quickly, symptoms begin to develop. These can include:

• Chills

• Fever

• Sweats

• Swollen lymph glands

• Weakness

• Weight loss

You receive a diagnosis of AIDS if your T cell count drops below 200 cells/mm or if you develop certain illnesses typical of AIDS. Unless you receive treatment, your life expectancy, once you have AIDS, is about three years.

How is HIV treated?
If you test positive for HIV, Infectious Disease Associates & Travel Medicine Clinic can put you on a course of antiretroviral therapy (ART). If you use these drugs as prescribed, the levels of HIV in your body fall significantly and can become undetectable.

When this happens, you can lead a normal, healthy life and live nearly as long as someone who doesn’t have HIV.

How do I prevent contracting HIV?
The best way to prevent HIV infection is to avoid high-risk activities, which include unprotected sex – particularly anal sex – and sharing needles when injecting drugs.

If you’re at risk of contracting HIV, Infectious Disease Associates & Travel Medicine Clinic can provide you with pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) treatment. PrEP involves taking daily medication to help prevent HIV from growing and spreading in your body.

PrEP is up to 99% effective in preventing HIV in anyone who’s at risk. If your partner has HIV – particularly if they have a detectable or unknown viral load – you should consider taking PrEP to protect yourself.

To benefit from the latest HIV treatments and preventive therapies, call Infectious Disease Associates & Travel Medicine Clinic today or book an appointment online.

What is tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial disease. TB bacteria can attack any tissues in your body, although they most often affect the lungs (pulmonary TB). Without the right treatment, TB disease is a potentially life-threatening condition.

The symptoms of TB can vary depending on the location of the infection. However, pulmonary TB is the most common type, causing symptoms such as:

• A bad cough

• Pain in the chest

• Coughing up blood or sputum

• Weakness or fatigue

• Unintended weight loss

• Loss of appetite

• Chills

• Fever

• Night sweats

A TB cough is a chronic problem that lasts more than three weeks.

What is latent tuberculosis?
Latent tuberculosis is a condition you might have if infected with TB. If TB (tuberculosis) is making you sick, you have TB disease. If you have the TB bacteria, but you aren’t experiencing symptoms, you have latent TB infection.

Most people who get infected with the TB bacteria can fight off the infection and prevent the bacteria from multiplying. However, they still have the TB bacteria in their bodies.

If you have latent tuberculosis, you won’t develop any symptoms or feel ill, and you won’t be able to pass TB on to other people.

However, you would typically test positive for TB. Most importantly, if you have latent tuberculosis and don’t get the right treatment, you could still develop TB disease later on.

This is more likely to happen if you have a weakened immune system, which allows the TB bacteria to become active and start multiplying. People who have conditions like HIV have a higher risk of developing TB disease.

How is latent tuberculosis treated?
You should only receive treatment for latent tuberculosis once it’s certain that you don’t have active TB disease.

There are four treatment regimens recommended by the CDC for treating latent tuberculosis. These use medications called:

• Isoniazid (INH)

• Rifapentine (RPT)

• Rifampin (RIF)

Infectious Disease Associates & Travel Medicine Clinic specialists have expertise in treating conditions like latent tuberculosis using these treatment regimens. They can also manage patients who have drug-resistant TB.

If you have latent tuberculosis, it’s essential to follow your treatment program to prevent the development of TB disease. This is particularly important if you’re in a higher risk category, for example, you have HIV, you’ve received an organ transplant, or you take immunosuppressant medications like prednisone.

Infectious Disease Associates & Travel Medicine Clinic can advise you on whether you’re in a high-risk category. Call the office today to find out more about latent tuberculosis or book an appointment online.

Long-term COVID, also known as long COVID or post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), refers to a range of symptoms that persist for weeks or months after the acute phase of COVID-19 illness has resolved. While many individuals recover from COVID-19 within a few weeks, some continue to experience symptoms that significantly impact their daily lives.

The symptoms of long-term COVID can vary widely and may affect different body systems. Common symptoms include:

1. Fatigue

2. Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

3. Joint or muscle pain

4. Chest pain

5. Brain fog or cognitive difficulties

6. Headaches

7. Loss of taste or smell

8. Sleep disturbances

9. Heart palpitations

10. Gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, diarrhea, or abdominal pain

These symptoms can persist for weeks or months, and in some cases, new symptoms may develop over time. Long-term COVID can affect individuals of all ages, including those who had mild or asymptomatic COVID-19 infections initially.

The exact cause of long-term COVID is still not fully understood, but it is believed to result from a combination of factors, including lingering inflammation, immune dysregulation, and possible tissue damage caused by the virus. Additionally, the psychological impact of having a severe illness and prolonged recovery can also contribute to ongoing symptoms.

Management of long-term COVID typically involves a multidisciplinary approach, with healthcare providers addressing individual symptoms and providing supportive care tailored to the patient's needs. This may include medications to manage specific symptoms, rehabilitation therapy to improve physical function, and counseling or mental health support to address emotional well-being.

Research into long-term COVID is ongoing, and healthcare professionals continue to learn more about the condition and how best to manage it. As our understanding evolves, it is essential for healthcare providers to remain vigilant in recognizing and addressing the needs of individuals experiencing long-term symptoms after COVID-19 infection.

Infections pose a considerable risk to cancer patients, primarily due to the immunocompromised state induced by cancer therapies. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery can suppress the immune system, rendering cancer patients more susceptible to various types of infections. Among the most common are febrile neutropenia, central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs), respiratory infections, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and skin and soft tissue infections.

Febrie neutropenia, a condition characterized by fever and low neutrophil counts, is a frequent complication of cancer treatment, particularly chemotherapy. CLABSIs occur when bacteria enter the bloodstream through central venous catheters used for chemotherapy administration or blood draws. Respiratory infections, including pneumonia and viral illnesses, pose a significant threat to cancer patients, especially those undergoing treatments affecting the lungs. UTIs are common in cancer patients due to the frequent use of urinary catheters during hospitalization or certain treatments. Skin and soft tissue infections are also prevalent, often stemming from compromised skin integrity due to surgery, radiation, or cancer-related symptoms.

Preventing infections in cancer patients involves several strategies. Healthcare providers and patients must adhere strictly to hand hygiene protocols. Prophylactic antibiotics or antifungal medications may be prescribed in high-risk situations, such as during neutropenia or before certain treatments. Barrier precautions, such as sterile techniques during invasive procedures, are essential, as is proper care and maintenance of indwelling devices. Vaccination against preventable infections like influenza and pneumococcal disease is crucial.

Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment of infections are paramount in cancer care. Treatment typically entails tailored antimicrobial therapy, supportive care, and, in severe cases, hospitalization for close monitoring and intravenous antibiotics. Multidisciplinary collaboration among oncologists, infectious disease specialists, and other healthcare providers is often necessary to ensure optimal care for cancer patients with infections.

What is MRSA?
Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus or MRSA is a kind of bacteria that doesn’t respond to standard antibiotic treatment. It’s a particular problem in health care settings like hospitals and care homes.

Cases of MRSA in the community, for example, at your workplace or where you live, tend to cause skin problems. You might also develop pneumonia, and if left untreated, an MRSA infection can lead to bloodstream infections and potentially life-threatening sepsis.

In health care settings, MRSA can cause the same problems and also infect surgical wounds. Hospital-acquired MRSA is a serious problem that can be spread between patients by health care providers unless they follow the strictest hygiene protocols.

How would I get an MRSA infection?
Studies indicate that around one-third of the population in the United States has the staphylococcus aureus bacteria in their nose.

MRSA can affect anyone who comes into contact with it, and the closer contact you have with other people, the higher your risk. However, not everyone who has the MRSA bacteria on their skin goes on to develop an infection.

If you have a cut or wound in your skin, it makes it easier for MRSA to enter your body. Therefore, anyone who undergoes surgery or has a medical device fitted has a higher risk of developing MRSA.

Good hygiene is essential to prevent an MRSA infection, and you should avoid sharing towels, razors, clothing, and other personal items.

What are the symptoms of MRSA infection?
The symptoms you experience with an MRSA infection vary depending on which part of your body is affected. Skin infections can cause raised bumps and symptoms such as:

• Swelling

• Warmth

• Redness

• Pain

The infected skin could fill with pus or other fluid, and you might also be feverish.

You might think your symptoms are due to other causes, so if you experience any indications that you could have MRSA, it’s important to seek medical advice.

The experienced doctors at Infectious Disease Associates & Travel Medicine Clinic specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions like MRSA.

How is MRSA treated?
MRSA bacteria are resistant to the antibiotic methicillin. However, some other antibiotics are effective in treating the infection. You might need a course of oral antibiotics or, in some cases, intravenous treatment, with drugs like vancomycin, clindamycin, or doxycycline.

MRSA treatment also includes therapies for the symptoms you’re experiencing, for example, combatting fever by cooling your body or draining abscesses in your skin.

To find out more about MRSA or arrange testing, call Infectious Disease Associates & Travel Medicine Clinic today or book an appointment online.

Osteomyelitis is a serious infection of the bone, typically caused by bacteria, although it can also result from fungal or, rarely, viral infections. This condition can develop in any bone in the body but commonly affects the long bones in the arms and legs, as well as the spine and pelvis.

The infection usually begins in another part of the body and spreads to the bone through the bloodstream or from nearby tissues. Common sources of infection include open wounds, surgical procedures, or infections in adjacent soft tissues or joints.

Osteomyelitis can cause severe pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected area. Other symptoms may include fever, chills, fatigue, and drainage from the infected site. In chronic cases, symptoms may be less severe but can persist for weeks, months, or even years if left untreated.

Diagnosis of osteomyelitis typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging studies such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans, and laboratory tests including blood cultures and bone biopsy.

Treatment of osteomyelitis usually requires a prolonged course of antibiotics to eradicate the infection. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove infected tissue or bone, drain abscesses, or restore blood flow to the affected area. In severe or chronic cases, amputation may be necessary to prevent the spread of infection and save the patient's life.

Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential to prevent complications and long-term damage to the bone and surrounding tissues. Without timely intervention, osteomyelitis can lead to bone destruction, joint damage, septicemia (bloodstream infection), and even death in severe cases.

"Post-COVID-19" refers to the period after an individual has recovered from acute COVID-19 illness. While many people with COVID-19 experience mild to moderate symptoms and recover fully within a few weeks, some individuals may continue to experience lingering symptoms or complications even after the acute phase of the illness has passed. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as "long COVID" or "post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection" (PASC).

Post-COVID-19 symptoms can vary widely and may affect different body systems. Common symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, cough, chest pain, joint pain, muscle weakness, cognitive difficulties (often referred to as "brain fog"), headaches, and loss of taste or smell. Some individuals may also experience symptoms such as heart palpitations, gastrointestinal issues, or mental health challenges such as anxiety or depression.

The exact cause of post-COVID-19 symptoms is still not fully understood, but it is believed to result from a combination of factors, including persistent inflammation, immune dysregulation, and potential damage to organs or tissues caused by the virus. Additionally, the psychological impact of having a severe illness and prolonged recovery can also contribute to ongoing symptoms.

Management of post-COVID-19 symptoms typically involves a multidisciplinary approach, with healthcare providers addressing individual symptoms and providing supportive care tailored to the patient's needs. This may include medications to manage specific symptoms, rehabilitation therapy to improve physical function, and counseling or mental health support to address emotional well-being.

Research into post-COVID-19 syndrome is ongoing, and healthcare professionals continue to learn more about the condition and how best to manage it. As our understanding evolves, it is essential for healthcare providers to remain vigilant in recognizing and addressing the needs of individuals experiencing persistent symptoms after COVID-19 infection.

What is PrEP?
PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis, which is a treatment you should consider if you’re at risk of contracting HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). PrEP involves taking medication every day that can reduce your chances of catching HIV.

The FDA approves the use of two drugs for PrEP:

Truvada®

Truvada contains emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, which are antiviral medicines. The CDC recommends Truvada for preventing HIV in anyone at risk because of their sexual activities or injection drug use.

Descovy®

Descovy also contains antiviral medicines – emtricitabine with tenofovir alafenamide. The CDC recommends Descovy for preventing HIV in anyone at risk from sexual infection, but as it hasn’t undergone studies for receptive vaginal sex, it might not be the right medication for certain people.

If your lifestyle involves engaging in activities that put you at a higher risk of catching HIV, PrEP can protect you, providing you take your medication regularly as directed.

Do I need to take PrEP?
There are federal guidelines in place that outline who should receive PrEP. The treatment is for people who don’t already have HIV but are at risk through sex or injectable drug use. If you’ve tested negative for HIV, you should consider taking PrEP if you have any risk factors.

PrEP is a sensible way to protect yourself against HIV infection if:

You’ve had vaginal or anal sex within the last six months with someone who has HIV

You regularly have unprotected sex

You’ve tested positive for any other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)

PrEP is also suitable if you’re injecting drugs, and your injection partner has HIV, or you share drug paraphernalia like needles and syringes with other people.

PrEP is also worth considering if you have an HIV positive partner, and you’re thinking about getting pregnant. PrEP can help to protect you and your baby from HIV infection during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Infectious Disease Associates & Travel Medicine Clinic can go through the benefits of taking PrEP with you and help you decide if you need to take it.

How effective is PrEP?
Research indicates that your risk of contracting HIV through sex when taking PrEP drops by 99%, providing you take your medication consistently. If you inject drugs, your risk of HIV infection drops by 74% when taking PrEP.

It’s vital that you take your PrEP medication every day to achieve these reductions in risk. You also need to take an HIV test before starting your treatment, and another every three months while on the medication.

To ensure maximum protection, you should take PrEP for seven days before having receptive anal sex and 21 days before having receptive vaginal sex or injecting drugs.

To find out more about the benefits of PrEP, call Infectious Disease Associates & Travel Medicine Clinic today or book an appointment online.

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It can also be transmitted from mother to baby during pregnancy or childbirth, leading to congenital syphilis in infants. Syphilis progresses through several stages, each with its own set of symptoms:

1. Primary syphilis: This stage typically begins with the appearance of a painless sore, known as a chancre, at the site of infection. Chancres can occur on the genitals, anus, or mouth and usually appear about 3 weeks after exposure to the bacteria. They may go unnoticed, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.

2. Secondary syphilis: If left untreated, syphilis progresses to the secondary stage, characterized by symptoms such as skin rash (often on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet), fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue. These symptoms can mimic those of other illnesses, making diagnosis challenging.

3. Latent syphilis: After the secondary stage, syphilis enters a latent stage where symptoms disappear, but the infection remains present in the body. Latent syphilis can last for years, and during this time, the bacteria can cause damage to internal organs, including the heart, brain, nerves, and eyes, leading to serious complications if left untreated.

4. Tertiary syphilis: In some cases, syphilis progresses to the tertiary stage, which can occur years or even decades after the initial infection. Tertiary syphilis can cause severe and potentially life-threatening complications, including neurosyphilis (infection of the brain and spinal cord), cardiovascular syphilis (damage to the heart and blood vessels), and gummatous syphilis (the formation of destructive lesions in various organs).

Syphilis can be diagnosed through blood tests that detect antibodies to the bacterium. Treatment typically involves antibiotics, such as penicillin, which are highly effective in curing the infection, especially in the early stages. However, treatment may not reverse damage that has already occurred in the later stages of the disease.

Prevention of syphilis involves practicing safe sex, including consistent and correct condom use, reducing the number of sexual partners, and avoiding sexual contact with individuals known to have syphilis. Pregnant women should receive prenatal care and be screened for syphilis to prevent transmission to their babies. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent complications and reduce the spread of syphilis within communities.

Virtual appointments are available to meet your needs.

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common infection that occurs when bacteria enter the urinary tract and multiply, causing inflammation and infection. UTIs can affect different parts of the urinary tract, including the bladder (cystitis), urethra (urethritis), or kidneys (pyelonephritis).

UTIs are more common in women than in men, largely due to anatomical differences that make it easier for bacteria to enter the urinary tract in women. Risk factors for UTIs include sexual activity, urinary tract abnormalities, a weakened immune system, urinary retention, catheter use, and certain medical conditions such as diabetes.

Symptoms of a UTI can vary depending on which part of the urinary tract is affected but may include:

1. Pain or burning sensation during urination

2. Frequent or urgent need to urinate

3. Cloudy or foul-smelling urine

4. Blood in the urine (hematuria)

5. Lower abdominal or pelvic pain

6. Fever or chills (if the infection has spread to the kidneys)

Diagnosis of a UTI typically involves a urinalysis and urine culture to detect the presence of bacteria and determine the type of bacteria causing the infection. In some cases, imaging studies such as ultrasound or CT scan may be performed to evaluate the urinary tract for abnormalities or complications.

Treatment for UTIs usually involves antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing the infection. The choice of antibiotic depends on the type of bacteria identified and its susceptibility to antibiotics. In addition to antibiotics, pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen may be used to alleviate discomfort associated with UTI symptoms.

Preventing UTIs involves maintaining good urinary tract health practices, such as staying hydrated, practicing good hygiene (including wiping from front to back after using the bathroom), urinating after sexual activity, and avoiding irritants such as harsh soaps or douches in the genital area. In some cases, healthcare providers may recommend the use of prophylactic antibiotics or other preventive measures for individuals at high risk of recurrent UTIs.

Valley Fever, also known as coccidioidomycosis, is a fungal infection caused by the fungus Coccidioides immitis or Coccidioides posadasii. This fungus is typically found in the soil in certain regions, including parts of the southwestern United States, Mexico, and Central and South America.

Valley Fever most commonly occurs when fungal spores are inhaled into the lungs. In many cases, the infection causes no symptoms or only mild flu-like symptoms, such as fever, cough, chest pain, and fatigue, which may resolve on their own without treatment. However, in some individuals, particularly those with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions, Valley Fever can cause severe pneumonia or disseminated disease, where the fungus spreads to other parts of the body such as the skin, bones, joints, or central nervous system.

Diagnosis of Valley Fever may involve a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging studies such as chest X-rays or CT scans, and laboratory tests to detect antibodies to the fungus or to identify the fungus in tissue samples. Treatment for Valley Fever may not be necessary for mild cases, as the infection often resolves on its own. In more severe cases or for individuals at high risk of complications, antifungal medications such as fluconazole or itraconazole may be prescribed to treat the infection.

Prevention of Valley Fever involves avoiding exposure to dust in endemic areas, particularly during dust storms or construction activities. Measures such as wearing masks, staying indoors during windy conditions, and wetting the soil before digging or working in the yard can help reduce the risk of inhaling fungal spores. Additionally, individuals at high risk of severe Valley Fever, such as those with weakened immune systems or certain underlying medical conditions, may be advised to take antifungal medications as a preventive measure if they are planning to travel to endemic areas.