What is Clostridioides difficile? Clostridioides difficile, more commonly known as C. diff, is a bacterium-causing infection that affects the large intestine. As a result of this infection, C. diff can cause severe diarrhea and even colitis (inflammation of the colon). If not treated quickly and properly, patients can run the risk of severe infection and hospitalization. Generally, C. diff more…
What is MAC Lung Disease? MAC Lung Disease is an uncommon infection caused by Mycobacterium Avium Complex (MAC). It has a thick, protective, and waxy cell wall, and found in dust, soil, and water. While most people come into contact with the MAC bacteria, only a few become infected and are severely impacted by it. People over the age of…
We have all been there—strep throat, food poisoning, or even something more serious like pneumonia or meningitis. Bacterial infections have become a part of our everyday lives. And that is precisely why, as a society, we are thankful for antibiotics. First, a Brief History on Antibiotics None of us have lived in this world without antibiotics. While the first…
Are you tired of navigating through hospitals and waiting rooms for your infusion therapy? Are you looking for an infusion center but don’t know where to start? We completely understand. Whether you are new to infusion therapy or are a regular, finding a patient-friendly infusion center can be an overwhelming challenge. Every patient is different and should be treated with…
What is Hepatitis A? Hepatitis A is a highly contagious short-term liver infection caused by the Hepatitis A virus (CDC). While the infection attacks the liver, the virus does not cause any long-term liver damage. High-risk patients who are older or have underlying health problems are at risk for liver failure or death due Hepatitis A. By understanding how to…
It’s no secret that the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted everyone’s life in some way. While some have managed to avoid the disease, millions of people around the world have been infected. Throughout the pandemic, experts are gathering more information regarding the disease and its long-term effects.
There are many things to consider when you travel abroad. Things like what clothes to pack, plane tickets, travel itineraries, hotel accommodations, and medications you will need. One of the biggest questions to consider when traveling outside of the United States is whether it is safe to drink the water upon arriving at your destination? Because nothing ruins a trip…
The More You Know Just Might Save Your Life Perhaps you, a loved one or a close friend in Florida is struggling with health issues. Not just a common illness, but something more persistent. It is almost as if you or your loved one just cannot seem to shake it and are simply unable to recover from the illness. To…
What Are Skin Ulcers? This is not a very pretty or fun topic to cover. However, we feel that it is necessary to make our readers more aware of Skin Ulcers. The fact that they affect so many people – especially older populations – brings the seriousness of these conditions to the forefront. Skin ulcers are open sores caused by…
An “Infectious disease” is a broad term that can cover a wide variety of conditions. From the common cold and flu to tuberculosis, syphilis, yellow fever and even the Black Plague. Infectious diseases have haunted humanity since before recorded history to the current COVID-19 pandemic that has recently infected more than 170 million people globally. Since it spans so many…
And it just might save your life. We get it. Just a cursory glance at the name of this procedure would gross the average person out. It is understandable. The idea of transplanting a donor’s feces into your system can be off-putting. But for those struggling with chronic diarrhea and colitis resulting from a difficult condition called Clostridium Difficile (C.…
So, What Exactly Is the Epstein-Barr Virus? The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is one of the most common viruses in the world. It was discovered and published in scientific journals in 1964 by Michael Anthony Epstein and Yvonne Barr, hence its name. It is also known as “Human Herpesvirus 4” and is a member of the herpes virus family. The CDC…
What is a Clinical Trial? When you visit your doctor and receive a prescription for medication or are given a vaccination, at that moment, you are directly benefiting from the work many others have done before you. The path from understanding a disease to treating it with medicines is long, complicated, and expensive. To make sure prescription medicines are safe…
For many people, the only time they’ve heard of typhoid has been in historical accounts of grim 1800s-era pioneers becoming infected on their way to the American west, or perhaps through the cautionary tale of Typhoid Mary, who refused to wash her hands, and spread typhoid through her cooking so frequently that she was banished to an island for the…
Samantha Isaacs, a mother of four, had a history of healthy pregnancies. She saw trouble brewing only two days after her youngest son was born, however, when he failed a newborn hearing test in the hospital. She was first told he might have fluid in his ears following a C-section, but months later, he was diagnosed with congenital cytomegalovirus, or…
It can happen in many different ways. You may have received a diagnosis from your primary care physician. Alternatively, you may have received a preliminary diagnosis and referral from an emergency room doctor. You may have had your condition for some time, and perhaps have moved to a new area. Whatever the case may be, it is imperative to choose…
What is Shingles? Many Floridians in their lifetime experience some form of illness from the varicella-zoster virus be it in the form of chickenpox or shingles. Shingles, although not life threatening, can be extremely painful and debilitating. Shingles can cause a rash that can appear anywhere on your body and can cause severe pain, burning, numbness, and itching. Those who…
In November of 1991, Los Angeles Lakers point guard, and basketball superstar, Earvin “Magic” Johnson sent shockwaves around the world when we announced that he had contracted HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. He announced that he would be retiring from the NBA, at the height of his decorated career, no less. Because of the information available at that time,…
For as long as there have been living beings on this Earth, there have been infectious diseases. Plague and sickness has shaped the path of the world since before recorded history, and through every age, there are those who rise above, saving countless lives in their search for better treatment. These men and women put themselves on the front lines…
Let’s face it – 2020 hasn’t really gone as planned. Most everyone’s lives have been derailed by Covid-19, the novel coronavirus that began wreaking havoc in the U.S. in late February and early March. As of August 3, 2020, there have been approximately 4.6 million cases in the U.S. and, tragically, just over 154,000 people have died from complications from…
Taking a trip abroad? There is so much to think about. You must plan your itinerary, book hotels, arrange transportation, sightseeing and so much more. But don’t forget to think about illness and diseases you may be exposed to in your travels. This is something many of us do not think about but without proper precautions you might come home…
Advances in healthcare have developed rapidly in the U.S. over the last few decades. In 1954, the kidney was the first human organ to be successfully transplanted. Liver, heart and pancreas transplants were successfully performed by the late 1960’s, while lung and intestinal organ transplant procedures began in the 1980s. Consider now that almost 40,000 organ transplants were performed in…
Dr. Philip Styne is a gastroenterologist and volunteer physician at Shepherd’s Hope, a health clinic in Orlando that exists to provide care for uninsured and low-income patients. He noticed that a significant number of his patients had Hepatitis C so he decided to open a weekly clinic to better treat them. “The point is that these people really suffer, and…
Infectious Disease Associates of Tampa Bay (IDATB) is now offering Telemedicine for certain infectious disease services and treatments. We are delighted to embrace this new and ever-expanding technology in order to create a convenient, safe alternative for our patients.