UPMC Center for Care of Infectious Diseases

Infectious diseases are illnesses caused by living organisms like bacteria, parasites, or fungi. They can also result from viruses, which aren't technically alive as they need the cells of other living organisms to reproduce.

At the UPMC Center for Care of Infectious Diseases, our expertly trained team provides top-notch care.

We diagnose and treat a full range of infectious diseases and conditions, such as:

• Cellulitis.
• Pneumonia.
• Sepsis.
• TB.

To learn more or make an appointment, call 412-647-7228 or 1-877-788-7228.

Why Choose UPMC for Infectious Disease Care?

• We have specialty units for treating and preventing HIV-AIDS, post-op and post-transplant infections, and illnesses from global travel.
• Our clinical and research-focused experts work to improve the standard of care for treating and preventing infectious diseases.
• Our focus on infectious disease research lets us offer the latest in prevention and treatment. And it gives you the chance to take part in clinical trials.

What Are Infectious Disease Symptoms?

Some infectious diseases have distinct signs or symptoms, such as the rash measles causes.

But many share common symptoms, such as:

• Fever.
• Chills or sweats.
• A new cough.
• Sore throat.
• Shortness of breath.
• A stuffy nose.
• Feeling pain or burning when you pee.
• Redness, soreness, or swelling at a cut or other wound.
• Diarrhea.
• Throwing up.
• Belly pain.
• Muscle or joint aches.

If you have one or more of these symptoms that don't go away and you don't know why, call your doctor.

When to see a doctor

At some point, most of us will get a fever, have a cough, or feel sick. And we might not know if we should see a doctor.

But call your doctor and ask if they think you should see them if you have any of the following:

• A severe headache with a fever.
• Trouble breathing.
• Coughing for more than a week.
• A rash or swelling that you can't explain.
• A fever that doesn't go away or you don't know the cause of.
• Problems with your eyesight or blurry vision.
• A bite from an animal, either a wild animal or a pet.

How Can We Prevent Infectious Diseases?

It's possible to prevent many types of infectious diseases.

First, get all the vaccines the CDC says you should get. This includes the COVID-19 vaccine.

Second, wash your hands often with soap and warm water. Don't forget to wash between your fingers and under your fingernails.

Most importantly, wash your hands before preparing food or eating, and after:

• Using the bathroom.
• Handling raw meat.
• Gardening or doing other yard work.
• Cleaning the house.
• Grooming or feeding pets.
• Holding or touching exotic pets, such as reptiles or rodents.
• Coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
• Visiting or caring for someone who is sick.

Along with vaccines and hand washing, follow these that can help reduce the likelihood of getting an infectious disease:

• Wash all cuts and open wounds with soap and water. Then cover them with a clean bandage.
• Seek care right away if an animal bites you.
• Avoid sharing food, drinks, cups, or silverware with others.
• Don't use tissues, napkins, or handkerchiefs after other.
• Do not pick, squeeze, or remove any scabs or wounds.
• Wash fruits and vegetables before eating or cooking them.
• Cook food fully and at the right temperature.
• Keep raw meat, seafood, poultry, and eggs separate from fruits, vegetables, and ready-to-eat foods.
• Put leftovers in the fridge right after eating.

Infectious Disease Clinics and Programs at UPMC