Pediatric Infectious Disease
Exceptional Care From Leaders in the Field
Our infectious disease specialists provide outpatient and inpatient evaluation and management of children and adolescents with serious infections. Our board-certified pediatric infectious disease specialists are the only such specialists in the 22 counties of northeastern New York.
As highly experienced providers, we work with each family to accurately diagnose and treat infections. We also work closely with community physicians, epidemiologists and community health agencies to control community outbreaks of flu, measles, mumps, Strep, and other contagious illnesses.
Our physicians are also pediatric HIV specialists and providers for the Maternal Child Adolescent Treatment Services (MCATS) program. This program is funded through the NYS Department of Health AIDS Institute and provides comprehensive support services to infants, children and adolescents up to age 24 living with or at risk for HIV. Learn more about the Specialized Care Center for Adolescents and Young Adults.
To make an appointment at Albany Medical Center, call 518-262-5332.
Clinical activities involve inpatient consultations for children with serious infectious conditions including, but not limited, to:
- Fevers
- Infections of bones and joints, blood, and skin
- Lyme disease
- Influenza
- Meningitis
- Pneumonia
We also evaluate children with cancer and those who have had transplants. These patients are at high risk for viral and bacterial infection.
Treatment of infectious diseases and contagious illnesses varies depending on the type of condition the patient has been diagnosed with. Most often, diseases and illnesses can be treated or managed with medications. More importantly, diagnostic evaluations and testing is a critical part of identifying the condition and determining the most appropriate treatment plan. Follow-up care and evaluations are also a continual part of treatment.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms, but it can be severe for infants and older adults.
RSV is spread through droplets from a cough or sneeze, or by contact with a surface that has the virus on it. Common symptoms include runny nose, coughing, sneezing, fever, wheezing, and decrease in appetite.
Most mild cases can be managed at home with over-the-counter medications to reduce fever or help with coughing, or with guidance from your pediatrician. Most cases of RSV should not require emergency treatment.
Parents are encouraged to call your primary care doctor or visit an urgent care center. However, as with any respiratory illness, if your child is having difficulty breathing, breathing rapidly or hard, or are having trouble eating or drinking, then it is best to seek further treatment through urgent care or the emergency department.
