Infections

What are infections?

Infections occur when harmful germs like bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites invade your body and start multiplying. These pathogens can disrupt how your body normally functions and make you feel sick or unwell. Depending on their severity, infections can vary from slightly bothersome to serious medical emergencies.

Infections can target different parts of your body, such as your lungs, stomach, or skin. When your body detects these invaders, your immune system fights to help you recover. At Arbor Vitae Holistic Medical Center, the team takes a functional medicine approach to infections. 

They focus on treating symptoms and understanding the underlying imbalances in your body that may contribute to the infection.

Are there different types of infections?

Arbor Vitae Holistic Medical Center provides comprehensive care for all types of infections, including:

Viral infections

These include viruses such as the common cold, influenza (flu), COVID-19, and viral pneumonia. Viruses can be challenging to treat and do not respond to antibiotics.

Bacterial infections

These result from bacteria invading the body and can include conditions like urinary tract infections (UTIs), strep throat, and bacterial pneumonia. 

Arbor Vitae Holistic Medical Center specializes in Lyme disease treatment. This complex infection, also known as Lyme borreliosis, is a tick-borne illness that can cause fever, joint pain, and other vague or inexplicable symptoms.

While bacterial infections can interfere with many bodily functions and cause discomfort, they typically respond to antibiotics.

Parasitic infections

Parasites can cause infections such as malaria, giardiasis, and toxoplasmosis, affecting various organs and bodily systems.

Fungal infections

Fungi can lead to infections like athlete's foot, ringworm, and fungal nail infections, affecting the skin, nails, and mucous membranes.

How are infections diagnosed?

Diagnostic testing is the only surefire way to determine whether you have an infection. After a comprehensive medical history review and physical exam, the team may collect samples from your nose and throat, urine, blood, or stool for testing. 

Arbor Vitae Holistic Medical Center has in-house laboratory testing for your convenience, so you don’t have to travel to multiple locations.

What are the treatments for infections?

Arbor Vitae Holistic Medical Center offers many holistic, integrative treatments for infections, including:

• Nutritional counseling
• Nutritional supplements
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
• Antimicrobial therapies
• Medications
• Coordination with specialists

Whether you have an acute infection or long-term effects from a previous infection, Arbor Vitae Holistic Medical Center provides comprehensive care and support. Call or schedule an appointment online today to learn more.