Infectious Disease

Our infectious disease team diagnoses, treats, and helps prevent all types of infections. We offer specialized care and support for complex and chronic conditions in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

At TidalHealth, our infectious disease specialists are dedicated to diagnosing, treating, and helping prevent infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. We care for a wide range of infections, from common and short-term illnesses to rare, complex or long-lasting conditions. Our expertise includes managing bloodstream infections, complicated skin, bone or joint infections, heart valve infections, urinary or abdominal infections, and infections affecting people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV, transplant recipients, or people undergoing chemotherapy. We also treat chronic viral infections, tropical and travel-related illnesses, and offer infection prevention guidance in hospitals and outpatient settings.

Our Approach to Care

Our team includes infectious disease physicians, pharmacists, specialized nurses, microbiologists, and infection prevention experts. We work closely with specialists such as surgeons, oncologists, transplant teams, primary care providers, and public health partners to coordinate your care.

Diagnosis and Support

Diagnosing infections often involves using a range of tools:

  • Blood and other cultures
  • Molecular tests (like PCR)
  • Serologic testing
  • Targeted imaging
  • Antimicrobial susceptibility testing

We focus on using antibiotics wisely, choosing the right medicine at the right dose for the right amount of time to reduce the chances of resistance and side effects.

Caring Where and When You Need It

Our care is available in hospitals, clinics, and via telemedicine follow-ups when appropriate. Our team provides evidence-based, compassionate care that fits your needs, helping you focus on feeling better and returning to your routine safely.

When should I see an infectious disease specialist?
You might need to see an infectious disease specialist for severe infections like sepsis, infections that do not get better with usual treatments, infections that require complex or long-term antibiotics, repeated or unusual infections, infections in people with weakened immune systems, or when special testing is needed.

Do I need a referral from my primary care doctor?
Many patients are referred by a primary care practitioner or hospital physician. Referral requirements depend on your clinic and insurance plan. Check with your insurance or our scheduling team for details. Urgent care needs in the hospital can usually be arranged quickly by your care team.

What happens at my first visit?
Our infectious disease specialist will review your medical history, current symptoms, previous test results, and treatments. Additional tests like blood cultures, imaging, or specialized lab tests may be ordered. Your specialist will discuss possible treatment options, side effects, and a follow-up plan. Please bring a list of your current medications and any recent lab or imaging reports with you.

How are infectious diseases diagnosed?
Diagnosis often involves clinical evaluation combined with laboratory tests like cultures, molecular tests, or serology, and sometimes imaging. In some cases, a biopsy or tissue sample may be needed. Accurate diagnosis helps us provide the best treatment while avoiding unnecessary antibiotics.

What treatments does the infectious disease team provide?
Treatments may include targeted antibiotics, antiviral or antifungal medicines, long-term intravenous (IV) antibiotic therapy through outpatient infusion, oral antibiotic plans, and coordination with surgeons if needed. We also offer prevention strategies such as vaccines and infection-control advice.

Will I need long-term IV antibiotics?
Some conditions, like certain bone infections or complicated bloodstream infections, may require longer IV therapy. Our team will explain the risks and benefits and coordinate outpatient IV antibiotics if needed, while closely monitoring for complications.

How do you address antibiotic resistance?
We focus on antimicrobial stewardship, meaning we use the right medicine, at the right dose, for the right amount of time. Our team works with the lab to select medicines wisely and reduce the chance of resistance.

Can you help with travel-related infections or vaccines?
Yes, we evaluate illnesses possibly related to travel and provide guidance for diagnosis and treatment. In some cases, we offer vaccine counseling and preventive advice before travel, though vaccine availability may vary.

Do you provide care for people living with HIV?
Yes, our infectious disease specialists provide comprehensive care for people living with HIV, including diagnosis, antiretroviral medicine management, prevention and treatment of other infections, and ongoing monitoring.

Is telemedicine available?
Many TidalHealth clinics offer telemedicine for follow-up visits and some outpatient needs. Availability depends on clinic policy and what is best for your care. Please talk with our scheduling team to learn more.

What should I bring to my appointment?
Please bring your photo ID, insurance card, a list of all your medicines (with doses), any recent lab or imaging results, and a note about past treatments. Let us know if you have any allergies, especially to medications.

How long will recovery take?
Recovery time can vary depending on the type of infection, your health, and whether you need longer treatment or surgery. Your specialist will discuss what to expect and ensure you have a follow-up care plan.