Infectious Disease

Infectious disease doctors are internal medicine specialists who work closely with other physicians to help diagnose and treat serious infections of all the different organ systems in the body.

About

Infectious Diseases specialists are dedicated to diagnosing and treating a wide range of infections.  Our clinic is staffed with a team of highly trained healthcare professionals, including infectious disease physicians, a nurse practitioner, nurses, and support staff. 

Our providers treat all kinds of infections, including those caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.

Our doctors and nurse practitioner have years of experience working with patients who are recently diagnosed with HIV, or have had it for many years.  We will work to find a treatment program that works for you, including pill and injectable treatments.  Our goal is to minimize the impact of HIV on your health and your life.

What is HIV PREP?

A pill taken every day or an injection every few weeks that decreases the risk of acquiring HIV. Our doctors and nurse practitioner also use these medications to treat people who have HIV infections, so they are well versed in their use and possible side effects.

Who should consider HIV PREP?

People who have multiple sex partners. The more partners that you have without using protection every time, the higher the risk of HIV infection.

What is hepatitis C?

It is a virus that lives in the liver and is spread through contact with someone else’s infected blood. We are able to diagnose the infection with blood tests

Why should it be treated?

It can cause liver damage, including a severe form called cirrhosis, as well as liver cancer.  By eliminating the virus, liver damage is stopped, and in some case, can be reversed.

How is it treated? 

It is treated with a pill that people take for 8-12 weeks.  The pill causes very few side effects and is very effective.  Our doctors and nurse practitioner will work with you and your insurance company to cure this life threatening infection at minimal cost to you.

What is hepatitis B?

It is a virus that lives in the liver and is spread through contact with infected blood, including at birth from a mother who is infected.  This is especially common in people born in Southeast Asia and East Africa. Unlike hepatitis C, it may be present in the liver without causing damage.

How is it treated? 

A pill will keep the virus inactive so that it does not cause further liver damage.  It is less likely to be cured with currently available treatments, but most people do not notice side effects while taking them.

Why should it be treated?  

In some patients it can cause liver damage, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.  By inactivating the virus with medication, liver damage is stopped and, in some cases, reversed.

Should I have testing for liver cancer?  

Our doctors and nurse practitioner will help you decide if you are at risk for liver cancer from hepatitis B or C infection.  If you are, they will order testing to check for it.

What is it?

A bacterial lung infection that is spread from person to person by coughing.  It can make us sick with cough, sweats, and weight loss, or remain inactive in our lungs and cause no symptoms.

How is it diagnosed?  

Our team may recommend, skin, blood, or sputum (spit) tests to detect TB.

If you came back from your overseas trip feeling ill, our team will work to find out what is causing your symptoms, and prescribe treatments if needed.  See our Travel Clinic page to stay healthy while you travel!

Some ticks in our area transmit infections such as Lyme, Anaplasmosis, and Babesiosis.  They can cause sudden onset of fever, headache, and body aches.  These infections are becoming more common, and our doctors and nurse practitioner are all able to diagnose and treat them.

These infections can be due to diabetes or other causes of weakened immune system.  The treatment may include long courses of antibiotics along with surgery.

People with heart valve replacements, pacemakers/defibrillators, aortic grafts, and underlying heart valve damage may be at risk of heart valve infection.  If you develop this type of infection you will be treated in the hospital, where you will meet our infectious diseases team.  They will direct your care when you leave the hospital as well.

Meningitis can cause sudden severe headaches, fevers, and trouble staying awake.  It is diagnosed by taking a sample of spinal fluid.  Our team works closely with providers in the Emergency Department, Hospital Medicine, and Neurologists to care for patients with these infections.

Infectious disease provider talking to patient

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what our patients are saying

“I have to say the last couple visits that I’ve had here have been wonderful. About a month ago I had an EGD and the staff were amazing! Explained everything in detail and made me feel at ease. I was very nervous and the nurse I had was very comforting. Tonight we had to take my son to the emergency room and they were awesome with him! We got right in. “

Samantha, Emergency Department

“I have had many occasions visiting CMC for myself and family. We have never had a bad experience there at all. Last October I had surgery and the nurses were amazing especially my night nurse. Thank you to all CMC staff for doing what you do every day with a smile.”

Karen, Surgical Services

“The staff and accommodations at Cayuga Birthplace are amazing!!! This is what it I imagine it would feel like to be a celebrity getting VIP treatment. I wish I could stay longer – even the food options are 5 Star! The amenities are great. Everything is clean and designed beautifully. Not a single complaint, only praises!”

Alina, Cayuga Birth Place

“I have been a Hemo dialysis patient for almost Five years. Prior to dialysis and during dialysis I have had several trips to the ER, due to other health issues & was admitted to CMC more than a few times. Each and every time I’ve been there, whether in patient or out, I have been treated with respect, professionalism, and efficiency. I give this hospital 2 thumbs up!! Thank you CMC for taking care of me all these years!!”

Monique, Cayuga Cancer Center
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