Once diagnosis is confirmed treatment usually involves taking medications, particularly antibiotics. Treatment may be in hospital or as an outpatient. Follow up is important to ensure resolution of infection.
Your ID physician first has to determine the likely infection you may have, its severity, nature and then how best to manage it. History will focus on your symptoms, duration and severity of these. Common symptoms that may lead someone to be referred to an ID physician would include fevers, sweats, illness after travel or unusual or persistent infection detected by another doctor. Events leading up to the illness, particularly travel or high risk exposures will also be enquired about. Past medical problems, medications, allergies and social history are also relevant.
Having completed the history your infectious diseases specialist will conduct an examination. This usually begins with a check of temperature, pulse, blood pressure and respiratory rate. A general examination follows and generally includes examining for rash or lymph nodes, examining the chest and abdomen and sometimes examining the genital region. Otherwise examination will be tailored to the specific case and symptoms being suffered.
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