Symptoms
Differences in immune response and infection type can affect what symptoms arise. Common symptoms of infections include:
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Coughing
Diagnosis
Optum physicians are highly skilled in caring for a wide range of infections. We specialize in caring for:
- Bacterial infections
- Cellulitis (skin infection)
- Chronic infections (long-term infections)
- Communicable diseases (illnesses that can be caught from people, animals or objects)
- COVID-19
- HIV exposure (a virus that attacks white blood cells that fight infection)
- Osteomyelitis (a bone infection)
- Parasitic diseases (illness caused by an organism living in the body — e.g. a tapeworm)
- Recurrent urinary tract infections (infections of the parts of the body that handles urine)
- Tuberculosis (an infection of the lungs caused by bacteria)
- Wounds
Treatment
Most infections can be treated by a single prescription of oral medication (pills). We provide a wide array of oral medications as well as alternative treatments and additional services.
- Antibiotics
- Antivirals
- Antifungals
- Antiparasitics
- Home infusion care
- Infectious disease consultations in both offices and hospitals
- Travel medicine (including expert advice on vaccines and shots)
- and more
Preventing infectious diseases
You can get an infectious disease in a variety of ways like physical contact with an infected person, a parasite or an exposed open wound. Preventing infectious diseases focuses on hygiene, which makes it difficult for the organism to spread.
- Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly after coming in contact with someone who is ill, animals or animal droppings.
- Keep your hands away from your mouth and nose.
- Maintain a hygienic, sanitary household with special attention to the kitchen and bathroom(s).
- Avoid people who are coughing or sneezing. If you must cough or sneeze, do so in your elbow to limit the spread of any infections.
- Stay up-to-date on vaccinations to reduce the risk of viral infections.
- Keep all open wounds clean and covered.
- Avoid insect bites by covering up and using insect repellent.
- Drink or eat food only from trusted sources.
Medical care and help
If you think you may have an infection, stay away from others until you are able to see a doctor. Start by scheduling an appointment with your primary care physician who can prescribe medication and help you find a specialist if needed.
To find an infectious disease specialist near you, visit our Provider page.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
Contact us if you have any questions.