Infectious diseases are caused by organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites. Infectious disease can spread in a variety of ways – from person to person, through animal or insect bites or from contaminated food or water. Signs and symptoms vary, but often include fever and fatigue. Mild infections may respond to rest and home remedies, while some life-threatening infections may require hospitalization.
Through the use of vaccines, antibiotics and other treatments, we create a personalized plan to meet your specific care needs.
SCL Health Medical Group – Infectious Disease
We are the only infectious disease team in the Grand Junction area, and our experts diagnose and treat infectious diseases in our referral-based Infectious Disease Clinic.
Conditions we treat
Some common infectious conditions our doctors treat include:
- Bacterial infections, including pneumonia, endocarditis and abscesses
- Bone infections
- Drug-resistant infections such as MRSA
- E. coli
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- HIV and AIDS
- Influenza
- Lyme disease
- Measles
- Meningitis
- Mononucleosis
- Shingles
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
- Tuberculosis
Find information about common infectious diseases.
Services and treatments
Many infectious diseases require clinical care by a physician or other health care professional. By providing individualized attention, we are able to determine what your needs are and, together, develop a treatment plan.
If you contract an infectious disease, medication often will be the first step. The doctor may prescribe:
- Antibiotics
- Antivirals
- Antifungals
- Vaccines and immunizations for prevention
Our specialty outpatient services include:
- Travel consults, which will allow you to get vaccinations before you travel abroad.
- Wound care consultations and treatments if you a diagnosed with an infection or fever of unknown origins or a condition for which infection may suspected.
Our experts will work with your primary care physician to recommend additional treatments, if necessary, based on your condition, health and lifestyle.
Screenings and diagnostics
We provide non-invasive, invasive, laboratory, and outpatient screenings to diagnose your infectious disease. Our team may use one or more of these tests:
- Blood tests
- Complete physical exam
- CT scan or X-rays
- Lumbar puncture (also called spinal tap)
- Urinary, mucus or fecal cultures
- Skin tests
- Wound/abscess swab for culture
Prevent the spread of infectious disease
Every day, you and your family may come into contact with organisms that can cause mild to severe infectious diseases. There are steps you can take to prevent illness, including keeping up with the proper vaccines during childhood and adulthood. The single most important thing you can do to prevent the spread of infection is to wash your hands regularly.
