Everyone is vulnerable to infectious diseases. You can get infected by breathing in germs (such as after someone coughs or sneezes), consuming contaminated food or water, from bug bites, and from the environment around you.

Infectious diseases range from the common and easily treated to the complex and difficult to diagnose. While most everyday infections, such as sinus infections, strep throat, and norovirus (stomach flu), can be handled by your primary care physician, some infections require a deeper level of expertise.

That’s where TopLine MD Alliance Network infectious disease doctors come in. Certain viral, bacterial, fungal, or parasitic conditions demand a specialist who understands not just the illness itself, but how it interacts with your body, your environment, and your overall health. Living in Florida adds another layer of consideration, as its subtropical climate, diverse population, and international travel connections can create unique exposure risks.

TopLine MD Alliance Network infectious disease specialists in Florida excel not only at diagnosing complex or hard-to-identify infections, but also at creating customized treatment plans that support your individual needs and long-term wellness. Keep reading to learn more about infectious diseases, including what most primary care physicians can handle and when you should visit an infectious disease doctor for care.

What is an infectious disease?

Infectious diseases are illnesses caused by harmful organisms or “germs”, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Most infectious diseases are highly contagious.

There are hundreds of infectious diseases that affect millions of children and adults around the world. Examples of infectious diseases include:

  • Rhinovirus (Common cold) – A viral infection of the upper respiratory tract
  • Flu – A respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs
  • Strep throat – A bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria
  • COVID-19 – An illness caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2 that attacks the respiratory system
  • RSV (Respiratory syncytial virus) – A respiratory virus that infects the lungs and breathing passages
  • Norovirus – A virus that causes acute gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and intestines)
  • Rotavirus – A virus that causes severe diarrhea and other gastroenteritis symptoms
  • Salmonella – Bacteria that is the leading cause of food poisoning
  • coli – Bacteria that can infect the gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, or other areas
  • Hookworms – Parasitic worms that enter the body through the skin and infect human intestines
  • Pinworms – Parasitic worms that also infect human intestines, especially in children
  • Ringworm (Athlete’s foot) – A fungal infection of the skin, scalp, or nails caused by mold-like parasites
  • HPV (Human papillomavirus) – A virus that is the most common sexually transmitted infection
  • Tuberculosis – An airborne bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs but can spread to other organs
  • Lyme disease – A bacterial infection transmitted to humans through the bite of infected ticks
  • Zika virus – A virus that spreads through mosquitoes, sex, or from an infected mother to the fetus during pregnancy

What causes infection?

Germs are typically spread through person-to-person contact, contaminated food or water, or bug bites. After entering the body, the germs in question (viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites) multiply and invade the cells within.

Your mouth, nose, or any cuts on your skin are common places for germs to enter your body. Symptoms begin to develop when the germs damage or destroy cells or when your immune system responds to the infection.

Symptoms of infectious diseases

Your infection symptoms will depend on the type of illness you have. For instance, fungal infections tend to cause symptoms in specific areas of your body (such as a rash), while viral and bacterial infections can impact many different areas at once.

Some of the most common symptoms of infectious diseases include:

  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Headache
  • Muscle aches
  • Fatigue
  • Weakness or stiffness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
  • Rashes
  • Itching
  • Swelling

When to visit an infectious disease doctor

Many infection symptoms are mild, and you can often recover from infectious diseases without getting seriously ill. However, some infectious diseases can cause life-threatening complications without proper treatment. For instance, you may be at risk of developing:

  • Pneumonia – An infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, making it difficult to breathe
  • Encephalitis – Inflammation of the brain
  • Meningitis – Inflammation of the spinal cord
  • Sepsis – A reaction that causes your immune system to damage vital organs, which can lead to death

Be sure to seek medical attention immediately if you have any of the following symptoms:

  • Difficulty breathing or severe shortness of breath
  • A high, persistent fever (100.4°F or above)
  • Fever accompanied by a severe headache
  • Sudden vision changes
  • Confusion
  • Stiff neck
  • A rash that spreads quickly, feels warm, or is painful
  • Noticeable changes after an animal or insect bite

Again, anyone can get an infectious disease. But people with weakened or compromised immune systems, adults over the age of 60, children under the age of 5, and pregnant women are at greater risk for complications.

An increased risk for Floridians

People who live in or travel to tropical climates must also take extra precautions. Here’s why:

  • The high temperatures and humidity in places like Florida create ideal conditions for mosquitoes and ticks to thrive year-round.
  • Hot, humid conditions allow bacteria and parasites to survive and reproduce more rapidly than in cooler climates.
  • More time spent outdoors and around others gives viruses and bacteria a greater opportunity to transmit from person to person.

In South Florida, the invasive Aedes aegypti mosquito makes up a small percentage of the mosquito population; however, it’s responsible for almost all confirmed cases of mosquito-borne disease. Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are known to transmit several tropical diseases, including Zika virus, yellow fever, dengue fever, and chikungunya.

Ticks are also a year-round concern in Florida, peaking in spring and summer. Humidity and heavy rain (especially during and after hurricanes) also increase the tick population. Certain Florida ticks are notorious for causing infectious diseases, including Lyme disease.

For more information about Lyme disease treatment in Florida or tropical disease treatment in South Florida, ask a TopLine MD Alliance Network infectious disease specialist.

More about infectious disease doctors

You don’t need to see a doctor every time you have an infection; in fact, most primary care physicians can treat common infections. An infectious disease doctor is an expert in diagnosing, managing, and treating rare, complex, severe, or chronic infections.

In many ways, infectious disease doctors are like detectives, carefully examining the smallest details of a person’s medical history and test results to understand and manage infectious diseases. They often work alongside other physicians and specialists, especially when they need help diagnosing an infection or interpreting test results. A physician or specialist might also refer you to an infectious disease doctor to rule out certain infections as the cause of a medical condition.

Your TopLine MD Alliance Network infectious disease doctor will perform a physical exam, take your medical history, and ask questions about your symptoms, medications, and environment. They will likely order one or more of the following diagnostic tests as well:

  • Blood tests
  • Urine tests
  • Throat or nasal swabs
  • Saliva samples
  • Skin or tissue biopsies
  • Stool samples
  • Imaging tests (X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans)

The goal of your TopLine MD Alliance Network infectious disease doctor is to manage and treat your infection successfully, so you can get back to feeling well again.

Preventing infections

Some of the most effective ways to prevent future infections include:

  • Washing your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom, before eating, and after coughing or sneezing.
  • Keeping your hands away from your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Avoiding others who are sick.
  • Wearing a mask when you are sick or in crowded indoor spaces.
  • Cleaning and disinfecting shared surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, and countertops.
  • Never sharing personal items, such as utensils, toothbrushes, razors, or towels.
  • Washing your hands before and after preparing food, especially if you handle raw meat.
  • Cooking foods to safe temperatures.
  • Refrigerating leftovers promptly.
  • Using air purifiers inside your home.
  • Keeping all immunizations up to date for yourself, your children, and your pets.

Find an infectious disease doctor in Florida today

The TopLine MD Alliance was created by physicians who came together to make healthcare experiences better for patients. We help patients navigate the complex healthcare system, connecting them with top-tier healthcare providers, practices, diagnostic centers, and imaging centers we trust.

The TopLine MD Alliance brings together high-quality care, exceptional service, and compassionate support while ensuring that you are always satisfied with your choice of medical providers. In addition to infectious diseases, our specialties include internal medicine, family medicine, pediatrics, diagnostic radiology, and many more.

To get started, find a provider near you today.