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Infectious disease specialists are medical doctors who are specially trained to diagnose and treat infections. Your primary care physician can treat many types of infections. But you may need a specialist if you have an infection that is difficult to diagnose or treat, or one that is very severe. If you have a serious health condition (such as HIV or another immune system problem) that makes you prone to infections, you may also need to see an infectious disease specialist. Infectious disease specialists can also help prevent infections for people who travel to high-risk areas or who have other risk factors. Some research shows infectious disease specialists can also reduce the risk of hospital-related infections. Training for infectious disease specialists includes:
- 4 years of medical school
- 3 years as a doctor of internal medicine
- 2 to 3 years of infectious disease training
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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.