Disease Detectives
As a major academic health system, our infectious disease physicians offer outstanding patient care. With decades of research, clinical trials, and teaching, these "disease detectives" can diagnose even the most elusive infections. They identify the sources of diseases and develop the best strategies to combat them. Our inpatient and outpatient services include consultation, evaluation, treatment, and prevention.
Among our areas of expertise:
- Influenza and other viral and respiratory illnesses
- Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and other antibiotic resistant organisms
- Skin and soft tissue infections
- Bone and joint infections
- Diseases acquired through international travel
- Encephalitis
- Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses
- Hepatitis
- HIV/AIDS
- Meningitis
- Tuberculosis
- Prevention and care for infections in transplant patients
- Covid-19
Working with our infection control and epidemiology professionals, we also provide infection surveillance, exposure and outbreak investigations, and education and infection control consultation.
Vaccines can prevent or lessen severity of many infectious diseases, including flu, Covid-19, hepatitis, measles, mumps, rubella, whooping cough, chickenpox and shingles, and many more.
For more information on diseases and treatments, please visit the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.
Mpox (Monkeypox)
If you believe you have mpox, have been in contact with someone with mpox, or are seeking testing, please call your physician or one of our urgent care sites for assessment. For more information, contact your county’s public health office or the NYS Department of Health. FAQs about mpox are below.
Q: What is mpox?
A: Mpox is caused by a virus. It is in the same viral family as smallpox. It is not related to chickenpox.
Q: How do I get mpox?
A: Mpox is spread by close contact, exposure to contaminated bedding/clothing, respiratory secretions, or bodily fluids.
Q: Who can spread mpox?
A: People can spread the virus from when they first experience symptoms until the rash heals.
Q: What are the symptoms of mpox?
A: Symptoms many people experience include flu-like symptoms such as fever, chill, body aches, headache, exhaustion, muscle pain, cough, congestion, or sore throat followed by a rash. At first the rash looks like a blister or pimple that will scab over. The rash can be painful and/or itchy.
Q: How long do symptoms last?
A: Symptoms can last 2-4 weeks.
Q: What if I was exposed to someone with mpox?
A: Monitor yourself for symptoms for 21 days. If symptoms develop, isolate, and contact your doctor.
Q: Is there treatment?
A: Many people will recover with supportive treatment such as rest, acetaminophen/ibuprofen, fluids, and rash care at home. However, some people may benefit from antiviral treatment. Currently there are antivirals approved by the FDA for treating viruses in the mpox viral family.
Q: How do I know if I need an antiviral?
A: Talk to your doctor. All antivirals are prescribed by a doctor.
Q: Is there a vaccine?
A: Yes. JYNNEOS is a two-dose series vaccine approved for 18 years of age and older.
Q: Where do I get the vaccine in the Capital Region?
A: Currently there is a limited supply. New York State is working with the federal government to distribute vaccines. You can visit the Albany County Department of Health website for more information.
Q: Who should be vaccinated?
A: The CDC recommends anyone who was in contact with someone with mpox and those at high risk of exposure.
Q: I think I have mpox. How do I get tested?
A: You can be tested at Albany Medical Center and EmUrgentCare.
Q: What is the process for being tested?
A: You must have a rash. Several of your lesions will be swabbed and the specimen will be sent to the lab for analysis. We cannot test patients until you develop symptoms.
Q: Where can I get more information?
A: You can go to the CDC website.
Visit the New York State Department of Health.
Visit the Albany County Department of Health.
Care Throughout the Capital Region
All Infectious Disease providers and locations in the System can be found in the Get Care section of this page.
