Bacterial Infections
Diseases spread through tiny, one-celled organisms—some helpful ones live naturally in our bodies, while others damage our bodies and make us sick.
Infectious Disease
Protection when you need it most
At IU Health, we help prevent, diagnosis and treat a wide range of bacterial, viral and fungal infections, as well as HIV and fevers of unknown origin.
You may also need infectious disease care if:
- You have a suppressed immune system that makes you more susceptible to contracting infections
- You plan to travel outside the country
It’s natural to fear what we don’t understand. IU Health physicians understand a diagnosis or worrying about a diagnosis can make you feel uneasy. Our specialists will provide you care for your needs. That includes the latest prevention and treatment options for infectious diseases.
Our team has years of experience and extensive knowledge in infectious diseases. We understand how infections spread and how your body fights those infections.
Our Services
If you’re heading out of town and would like to update your vaccinations, we can help. Or if you've contracted an illness of unknown origin, we can help. Whatever your need, we offer services for all types of infectious diseases. These include:
Fevers of Unknown Origin
Contracting a fever with no explanation may be a sign of an infectious disease. IU Health infectious disease physicians use a variety of tests and diagnostic procedures. This will help us determine the cause of your elevated temperature. Then we'll get you the treatment you need.
Hepatitis C
Many people live with chronic hepatitis C. Treatments for this condition are changing rapidly. They are now more effective and tolerable than ever. If you are living with this condition, we provide the latest complete care to meet your needs.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
IU Health specialists provide care for HIV/AIDS that focuses on meeting your individual needs.
Our physicians are experts in the treatment of HIV. We work with you for the following:
- Finding medications that fit your needs
- Answering all your questions
- Managing your side effects and symptoms
- Preventing infections
With access to the latest clinical trials and treatments, you can be assured you are receiving high quality care. We also provide pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for high-risk patients to prevent contracting HIV.
We offer education on lowering your risk for infections and illnesses. We can also refer you to support groups or counselors to help you take care of your emotional health.
Infections
We offer diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of infections, including:
- Bacterial infections
- Endocarditis (infection of the lining of the heart)
- Fungal infections
- Osteomyelitis (bone infection)
- Viral infections
Our experts work in the hospital and in outpatient settings. We can monitor your progress and help manage your symptoms during your treatment. Our goal is to shorten the time you have to stay in the hospital. We also aim to reduce your risk of getting future infections.
We also offer a variety of immunizations against bacterial infections. These include:
- pneumococcus
- typhoid fever
- pertussis
We'll also provide information on how you and your family can protect yourselves against possible infections.
International Travel Related Health Concerns
We can help prepare you to travel the world with vaccinations and education on staying well. We provide the latest information on vaccination and travel health recommendations.
We'll let you know what vaccines you need and how close to departure time you need to get them. Our experts can also give you advice on food and water precautions and insect protection.
Our Approach to Infectious Disease Care
It’s natural to fear what we don’t understand. IU Health physicians understand a diagnosis or worrying about a diagnosis can make you feel uneasy. Our specialists will provide you care for your needs. That includes the latest prevention and treatment options for infectious diseases.
Our team has years of experience and extensive knowledge in infectious diseases. We understand how infections spread and how your body fights those infections.
Our Services
If you’re heading out of town and would like to update your vaccinations, we can help. Or if you've contracted an illness of unknown origin, we can help. Whatever your need, we offer services for all types of infectious diseases. These include:
Fevers of Unknown Origin
Contracting a fever with no explanation may be a sign of an infectious disease. IU Health infectious disease physicians use a variety of tests and diagnostic procedures. This will help us determine the cause of your elevated temperature. Then we'll get you the treatment you need.
Hepatitis C
Many people live with chronic hepatitis C. Treatments for this condition are changing rapidly. They are now more effective and tolerable than ever. If you are living with this condition, we provide the latest complete care to meet your needs.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
IU Health specialists provide care for HIV/AIDS that focuses on meeting your individual needs.
Our physicians are experts in the treatment of HIV. We work with you for the following:
- Finding medications that fit your needs
- Answering all your questions
- Managing your side effects and symptoms
- Preventing infections
With access to the latest clinical trials and treatments, you can be assured you are receiving high quality care. We also provide pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for high-risk patients to prevent contracting HIV.
We offer education on lowering your risk for infections and illnesses. We can also refer you to support groups or counselors to help you take care of your emotional health.
Infections
We offer diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of infections, including:
- Bacterial infections
- Endocarditis (infection of the lining of the heart)
- Fungal infections
- Osteomyelitis (bone infection)
- Viral infections
Our experts work in the hospital and in outpatient settings. We can monitor your progress and help manage your symptoms during your treatment. Our goal is to shorten the time you have to stay in the hospital. We also aim to reduce your risk of getting future infections.
We also offer a variety of immunizations against bacterial infections. These include:
- pneumococcus
- typhoid fever
- pertussis
We'll also provide information on how you and your family can protect yourselves against possible infections.
International Travel Related Health Concerns
We can help prepare you to travel the world with vaccinations and education on staying well. We provide the latest information on vaccination and travel health recommendations.
We'll let you know what vaccines you need and how close to departure time you need to get them. Our experts can also give you advice on food and water precautions and insect protection.
Mar 18
Sepsis. Not something most people think about, but it is the leading cause of death in U.S. hospitals. A year ago, Randy Mitchell, president of White County Economic Development, did not think much about sepsis. He was concentrating on ways to improve business in Monticello. He was leaving the barber when he missed a step and fell hard on his knees and hands. After a moment of embarrassment, he got up, dusted himself off and went home. A few days later, his knees were still swollen, and his wife convinced him a trip to the doctor was in order. A few X-rays showed no broken bones. Two weeks later, Mitchell felt like he was coming down with the flu. He went home for lunch but was having trouble responding to his wife’s questions. He promised to come home early to rest and went back to the office. He fell asleep at his desk and was awoken at 6 pm when the phone rang with his wife on the other end wondering where he was. He was unable to carry on a conversation, and his wife thought he seemed delirious. She called 911. The paramedics thought he was having a stroke
Patient Stories for Infectious Disease
Mar 18
Sepsis. Not something most people think about, but it is the leading cause of death in U.S. hospitals. A year ago, Randy Mitchell, president of White County Economic Development, did not think much about sepsis. He was concentrating on ways to improve business in Monticello. He was leaving the barber when he missed a step and fell hard on his knees and hands. After a moment of embarrassment, he got up, dusted himself off and went home. A few days later, his knees were still swollen, and his wife convinced him a trip to the doctor was in order. A few X-rays showed no broken bones. Two weeks later, Mitchell felt like he was coming down with the flu. He went home for lunch but was having trouble responding to his wife’s questions. He promised to come home early to rest and went back to the office. He fell asleep at his desk and was awoken at 6 pm when the phone rang with his wife on the other end wondering where he was. He was unable to carry on a conversation, and his wife thought he seemed delirious. She called 911. The paramedics thought he was having a stroke