Infectious Disease

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Infectious diseases, caused by bacteria, fungi, parasites, or viruses, can range from harmless to life-threatening.

Many of these diseases live within our bodies and can spread from person to person, through insects or animals, or by consuming contaminated food or water. The most common infection is the common cold, while others, such as AIDS or tuberculosis, are much more severe. Symptoms of infections vary depending on the type of pathogen and can affect the entire body or specific areas. Infections are frequently found in the respiratory system, digestive tract, lungs, and reproductive and urinary tracts.

Preventing the spread of infectious diseases involves a combination of good hygiene practices and medical interventions, including:

  • Antibiotics: Use as prescribed to treat bacterial infections.
  • Frequent Hand-Washing: Regular hand hygiene to reduce the spread of germs.
  • Safe and Sanitary Handling of Food: Proper food preparation and storage to prevent foodborne illnesses.
  • Vaccines and Immunizations: Key measures to protect against various infectious diseases.

You should see a doctor if you have experienced:

  • Animal bites
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Excessive coughing
  • Fever
  • Rash
  • Severe headache
  • Vision problems
  • Expertise and Experience: Our team includes highly experienced and board-certified infectious disease specialists.
  • Comprehensive Care: We offer diagnosis, treatment, and prevention services for a wide range of infectious diseases.
  • Advanced Diagnostics and Treatments: Utilizing the latest technologies and treatment protocols.
  • Holistic Approach: We consider the physical, psychological, and social aspects of each patient’s care.

At Cook County Health, we specialize in managing complex and chronic infectious diseases, providing comprehensive care that addresses the unique needs of each patient. Our dedicated team is skilled in treating:

  • Antibiotic-Resistant Infections: Addressing challenges posed by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
  • Travel-Related Infections: Diagnosing and treating infections acquired during travel.
  • Emerging Infectious Diseases: Staying updated on new and emerging infectious threats.
  • Immunocompromised Patient Care: Providing specialized care for patients with weakened immune systems.


By leveraging our extensive experience and advanced resources, Cook County Health is equipped to handle even the most challenging infectious disease cases. We are committed to delivering exceptional care and improving the health outcomes of our community through education, prevention, and treatment.

Our board-certified physicians and specially trained staff are experts in diagnosing and treating infectious diseases, including (but not limited to):
Bone and joint infections
Bone marrow infections
Central nervous system infections
COVID-19
Digestive (gastrointestinal tract) infections
Eye infections
Ear, nose and throat (ENT) infections
Foodborne and waterborne infections
Forms of bacteria
Heart (cardiovascular) infections
Hepatic and biliary infections
HIV infection
Hospital-acquired (nosocomial) infections
Infections of indwelling venous and arterial catheters and prosthetic devices
Intra-abdominal infections
Lower respiratory infections
Microbial toxins
Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox)
Organ transplant infections
Post-operative infections and pre-operative antimicrobial prevention
Sexually transmitted infections
Skin and soft tissue infections
Upper respiratory infections
Urinary and genitourinary infections
Viral exanthems and enanthems
Viruses

Providers

Homer Abiad, MD
Homer
De Guia
Abiad,
MD
Hospital infections, HIV/AIDS
Mariam S. Aziz, MD
Mariam
S.
Aziz,
Sheila M. Badri, MD
Sheila
M.
Badri,
MD
HIV/AIDS
Sophia E. Choi, PA-C
Sophia
E.
Choi,
Craig S. Conover, MD
Craig
S.
Conover,
Mark S. Dworkin, MD
Mark
S.
Dworkin,
Audrey L. French, MD
Audrey L. French, MD
Audrey
L.
French,
MD
HIV/AIDS
Dara Grennan, MD
Dara
Grennan,
Gregory D. Huhn, MD
Gregory D. Huhn, MD
Gregory
D.
Huhn,
HIV, Viral hepatitis, Vaccine-preventable diseases, Tropical Medicine
Norman M. Jacobs, MD
Norman
M.
Jacobs,
MD
Pediatrics/Pediatric Infectology

Schedule an appointment

Call us at: (312) 864-0200
Infectious Disease
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CCH Holiday Hours

Stroger Hospital and Provident Hospital are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please dial 911, or go to your nearest emergency department.

CCH Health Centers will be open limited hours for the holidays.

Thanksgiving Day – Thursday, November 28, 2024: CLOSED

Christmas Eve – Tuesday, December 24, 2024: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Christmas Day – Wednesday, December 25, 2024: CLOSED

New Year’s Eve – Tuesday, December 31, 2024: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

New Year’s Day – Wednesday, January 1, 2025: CLOSED