Early diagnosis of a disease enables treatment to be started immediately, thus significantly increasing the chance of a full recovery and minimizing the risk of complications and further pathogen transmission.

Today, you can contact an infectious disease specialist both offline and online. Before booking this type of consultation, however, read this article, in which we explain for whom and when the help of an infectious disease specialist may be needed.

Who is an infectious disease specialist?

Online infectious disease specialist is a medical specialist who deals with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases caused by microorganisms. Their knowledge covers a broad spectrum of infections, from viral to bacterial, fungal and parasitic ones, including:

  • Viral hepatitis (e.g. types B and C).
  • HIV infection and AIDS.
  • Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases.
  • Flu and flu-like infections, including COVID-19.
  • Tropical diseases (e.g. malaria, dengue).
  • Bacterial infections of the skin, respiratory system and digestive system.
  • Parasitic infections.
  • Systemic fungal infections.

Online consultations

Medical consultations over the Internet are convenient. Above all, telemedicine removes geographical barriers and enables people from small towns or those who have difficulty moving around to contact a specialist. Patients also appreciate the considerable time savings – they do not have to spend time travelling to a medical facility or waiting in line.

The appointment takes place in the comfort of one’s own home, which is particularly important for people weakened by illness, parents with small children and carers of elderly people. In addition, a remote consultation reduces the risk of exposing oneself and others to potential infections that can spread in clinic waiting rooms.

When is it worth booking an online consultation?

There are many symptoms and circumstances that should prompt you to consider remote advice from an infectious disease specialist. Quick contact with a doctor is recommended when worrying symptoms appear. Always remember that an online consultation cannot replace a visit to a hospital emergency department in life-threatening situations. Here are situations in which a teleconsultation with an infectious disease specialist is a good solution:

  1. A sudden onset of a high fever accompanied by other symptoms, such as a rash, chills or severe headaches.
  2. A persistent cough, shortness of breath or sore throat, especially if there has been contact with a sick person.
  3. Digestive system symptoms: prolonged diarrhoea, vomiting or abdominal pain, particularly after consuming spoiled food or water.
  4. Suspected tick-borne diseases after being bitten by a tick, for example the appearance of erythema migrans.
  5. Unusual symptoms after returning from travel to exotic countries, such as fever, rashes or gastrointestinal problems.
  6. Awareness of contact with someone suffering from an infectious disease and a desire to obtain information about prevention.
  7. The need to discuss laboratory test results indicating an infection.
  8. The need to continue treatment for a chronic infectious disease or monitor one’s health.

How to prepare for an online consultation?

For a remote appointment with an infectious disease specialist to run smoothly and be as effective as possible, it is worth preparing properly. Gathering all the necessary information before the conversation will enable the doctor to assess the situation more accurately and make a more precise diagnosis. Before the teleconsultation, prepare the following information and documents:

  1. A detailed description of your current symptoms: what is wrong, when it started and how the symptoms have changed.
  2. A chronological list of symptoms, if possible.
  3. Information about any chronic diseases you have.
  4. A list of all medications and dietary supplements taken regularly or as needed, together with their dosages.
  5. Results of recent laboratory and imaging tests (e.g. X-rays and ultrasound), if available and potentially relevant to the current problem.
  6. A vaccination record or information about vaccinations received.
  7. Details of recent travel, especially to areas with an increased epidemiological risk.
  8. Information about possible contact with infected people or animals.

Before the consultation itself, check the stability of your Internet connection and that the camera and microphone are working. Find a quiet, peaceful place where no one will interrupt the conversation. Keep something to write with nearby so that you can note the doctor’s recommendations.

Choose reputable telemedicine platforms to ensure the quality of the service and the security of your data. We encourage you to make conscious and sensible use of the opportunities offered by modern technology when taking care of your health.