Infection Specialist
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Sunshine Pediatrics
Pediatricians located in Ontario, CA & Upland, CA
Infections are a common cause of illness and we can’t always know the cause simply by the symptoms. If you see signs of an external skin infection or are feeling symptoms of some kind of internal infection, you should get professional medical assistance. It’s time to schedule a visit with Dr. Sushil Anand of Sunshine Pediatrics in Ontario and Upland, California.
Infection Q & A
What causes infections?
The most common kinds of infections are caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungus.
Viruses are tiny biological agents that grow within cells of living hosts. Viruses cause infections ranging from a common cold and flu to infections as dangerous as acquired immune deficiency, more commonly known as AIDS.
Bacteria are one-celled organisms that can cause many infections. Among the most common are, skin infections, urinary tract infections, and strep throat.
Parasites are frequently transferred from contaminated food and water, and animal sources via bites or droppings. Parasites cause diseases such as giardia, toxoplasmosis, and malaria.
Fungal bacteria can cause skin diseases such as athlete’s foot and ringworm. Other types of fungal bacteria can infect the respiratory and nervous systems.
How are infections spread?
An infection may start through direct or indirect contact with the infecting agent. Direct contact methods include:
- Person to person: Most often through touch or inhalation between an infected person and non-infected person
- Animal to person: Bites, scratches and even incidental contact may transfer infection
- Mother to fetus: Passing to the child through the placenta, or the vagina at birth
Infections may spread indirectly through:
- Organisms living on inanimate objects – Cold and flu viruses on door knobs and other surfaces, infecting those who come in contact with them
- Through insect bites: Mosquitos, ticks, lice and fleas carrying a virus or bacteria from person to person as is the case with Lyme disease and West Nile virus
- Food contamination: E. coli infections from undercooked meats and unpasteurized beverages
How are infections treated?
Upon diagnosis, the treatment depends on the infecting organism. When bacteria cause infections, antibiotics may be used. Antibiotics do not work on viral infections. Some viral infections can be treated through medications, but not all respond to drugs. The common cold, for example, has no cure. Antifungal and anti-parasitic medicines exist, though in the case of parasites, some build resistance to drugs.
Accepted Insurance Providers
At Sunshine Pediatrics, we accept most major insurance plans. Here is list of some of the plans we accept. Please contact our office if you do not see your insurance provider listed.
