Mercy Medical Group

When you hear the term “infectious disease,” malaria or West Nile virus probably comes to mind. However, this specialty covers illnesses caused by harmful agents—viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites—that get into your body, such as the flu, the common cold, and chickenpox.

While there is no single way to completely prevent the spread of infectious diseases, you can take a few steps to minimize the risks. 

• Stay up-to-date on vaccines.

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.

• Prepare food safely. 

• Clean and disinfect surfaces often. 

• Avoid sharing personal items with others.

• Travel wisely and speak to your physician about any needed vaccinations when leaving the country.

• Stay home when you feel sick. 

• Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

• Bone/joint infections

• Chickenpox 

• Chronic lung or pulmonary infections

• Common cold 

• Flu 

• Fungal infections (excluding mold exposure)

• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

• Immunodeficiency diseases

• Infections in transplant and immunocompromised patients

• Infections of prosthetic devices (artificial devices, pacemakers, etc.)

• Malaria 

• Mycobacterial infections

• Persistent fever of unknown cause in an immunocompromised patient

• Sexually transmitted diseases (gonorrhea, syphilis)

• Tuberculosis

• West Nile