Infection

If you develop an infection and need symptom relief, see certified adult care and gerontology nurse practitioner Babara Francis, APRN-BC, MSN/ED, and her staff at Eden Medical Clinic, LLC, in Orlando, Florida. She diagnoses and treats many types of infections to eliminate symptoms and help you heal quickly. Schedule an appointment by phone or online today.

What is an infection?

Infections are conditions that develop when bacteria, a virus, or fungi enter your body, causing unpleasant symptoms and even complications when left untreated. The microorganisms associated with infections can multiply quickly when not addressed.

What are examples of an infection?

Babara commonly treats the following infections:

• Respiratory infections
• Colds
• COVID-19
• Sinus infections
• Strep throat
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Vaginal injections
• Yeast infections
• Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
• Athlete’s foot
• Ringworm
• Ear infections
• Eye infections

Eden Medical Clinic, LLC, also provides care for animal bites, insect bites, minor burns, cuts, rashes, and hives. 

What are the signs and symptoms of an infection?

Infections can cause the following symptoms:

• Warts
• Open sores
• Pus
• Redness
• Warmth
• Pain
• Swelling
• Runny nose
• Muscle aches
• Upset stomach
• Fever
• Swollen lymph node glands
• Rash

Some untreated infections can even lead to brain damage and cognitive impairment. See your provider at the first sign of an infection. 

What are the risk factors for infections?

Infections can spread via:

• Transfer of body fluids
• Skin-to-skin contact
• Contact with feces
• Inhaling air droplets
• Ingesting contaminated water or food
• Touching items other people have touched

You might get an infection from exposure to someone who spreads germs by skin contact or breathing, sneezing, or coughing on you. 

Eating food prepared by someone who hasn’t washed their hands can expose you to infection-causing germs. Having sexual intercourse with an infected person is a risk factor for developing STDs.

To reduce the risk of an infection, wash your hands often, limit contact with people who are visibly sick, and keep surface areas clean when preparing food. Keep cuts and open wounds clean, and avoid sharing personal items. 

Vaccinations can help prevent certain types of infections, too. 

How is an infection diagnosed?

Babara diagnoses infections by reviewing your medical history, symptoms, and lifestyle. She listens to your breathing, checks your vital signs, and completes a physical exam. You might need blood tests, tissue swabs, urine testing, or other diagnostic tests.

How are infections treated?

Your personalized treatment plan for an infection depends on the type you have. You might get more rest, drink extra fluids, take oral medications, use topical medicines, receive injections, undergo breathing treatments, or have a medical procedure. Babara follows up to ensure your treatment is effective. Ask her if you’re a candidate for vaccinations. 

Schedule an appointment at Eden Medical Clinic, LLC, by phone or online today to get treated for an infection.