Many infectious diseases are contagious and spread through person-to-person contact, animal or insect bites, contaminated food or water, or exposure to environmental organisms.
As a top cancer hospital in India, HCG boasts some of the finest infectious disease specialists, who are extensively trained to manage a wide range of infectious diseases using evidence-based treatments.
There are multiple modes through which infectious diseases are transmitted, and these are broadly classified into two types: direct contact and indirect contact.
Direct contact with an infected person or animal is one of the most common routes for a broad spectrum of infectious diseases. Direct transmission is further classified into:
When an infected person touches, kisses, coughs, or sneezes on someone who is not infected, infectious diseases can be transmitted directly. Sexual intercourse with an infected person can also lead to the transmission of certain infectious diseases.
It is possible to contract an infectious disease if bitten or scratched by an infected animal. Furthermore, handling animal waste also poses an increased infection risk.
In a few cases, a pregnant mother might transmit infectious diseases to her unborn child.
Indirect contact can also cause the transmission of several disease-causing pathogens. For instance, pathogens present on inanimate items, such as table surfaces, doorknobs, and even faucet handles can cause infectious diseases.
There are different classes of drugs available for the successful management of infectious diseases:
Antibiotics are administered for the treatment of bacterial infections.
Antivirals are recommended for the management of viral infections.
Antifungals are administered to treat fungal infections. Fungal infections are treated both with topical and oral medications. Fungal infections seen in the skin and nails are treated with topical antifungal creams. Fungal infections of the lungs, mucous membrane, and other vital organs are treated with oral antifungal medications.
Antiparasitics are recommended to treat infections caused by parasites.
Infectious diseases are best treated under the supervision of infectious disease specialists. At HCG, our expert team is home to the best infectious disease specialists in India. Consulting an infectious disease specialist becomes especially important in the following conditions:
An infection that is difficult to diagnose
Management of complex infections caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses, or parasites.
Travel advice to those who are visiting a foreign location where infection risk is higher.
Infection management in patients with HIV/AIDS
Infections in post-solid organ transplant/post-bone marrow transplant patients
Infectious disease specialists are also involved in infection control, antibiotic stewardship, surveillance, and management of healthcare-associated infections.