Serving the Lowcountry and Coastal Empire of Georgia and South Carolina.
Tuesday, September 2, 2025
When you or someone you know is feeling under the weather, it’s easy to dismiss mild symptoms such as a simple cough or a lower fever. However, less concerning symptoms such as these could be masking a serious infection.
At SouthCoast Health, our Infectious Disease specialists are experts in diagnosing and treating infections throughout the body, from the most common to the most complex. They work closely with your primary care provider and other specialists to distinguish between minor illnesses and potentially life-threatening conditions, ensuring you get the right care at the right time.
Spotting the warning signs of an infection early allows for timely intervention, which can make all the difference in preventing complications. Left untreated, an infection can worsen and spread, sometimes leading to sepsis, a life-threatening condition where the body’s response to infection damages its own tissues and organs.
According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, sepsis is the third leading cause of death in U.S. hospitals. Without prompt diagnosis and treatment, sepsis can lead to septic shock, organ failure, and even death. Our Infectious Disease team has the expertise and tools to recognize and treat serious infections before they escalate.
Here are examples of seemingly minor symptoms that could point to a more serious infection. If you experience any of these, our Infectious Disease specialists can help pinpoint the cause and guide treatment.
A fever that won’t go away, especially one above 103°F, can signal infections such as pneumonia, meningitis, or sepsis. Immediate evaluation is critical to avoid complications like organ failure.
While sometimes linked to asthma or allergies, difficulty breathing can also be caused by severe lung infections. Prompt diagnosis can prevent respiratory failure.
Intense abdominal pain might be due to appendicitis, gallbladder infection, or another infection in the abdominal cavity. Without treatment, these can lead to peritonitis or sepsis.
A rapid change in mental clarity may be linked to severe infections like meningitis or sepsis, where the infection is affecting the brain or body systems.
While it may look like a simple skin irritation, these can be signs of cellulitis or another serious skin infection that requires prompt antibiotics.
Our Infectious Disease physicians bring advanced training in immunology, epidemiology, and infection control to every case. They identify the specific organism causing the infection, whether it’s a virus, bacteria, fungus, or parasite, and tailor treatment plans that may include targeted antibiotic therapy.
Our specialists manage complex or chronic infections such as MRSA, HIV, and hepatitis, and provide both hospital-based and in-office care for acute and ongoing needs. They also work closely with your entire care team to ensure smooth coordination and the best possible outcomes.
When symptoms arise, immediately consult a SouthCoast Health primary care provider, who are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, and can refer you to our Infectious Disease team if needed. If you’re experiencing an emergency, call 911.
Staying proactive also means keeping up with annual wellness visits, following your provider’s guidance on vaccinations, and seeking prompt care when something doesn’t feel right.
To discuss any health concerns you may have, schedule an appointment online.
Whether you are looking for a primary care doctor or a pediatrician, or another medical specialist, SouthCoast Health has you covered with its wide range of world-class healthcare services, available throughout the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry. SouthCoast Health has 120 physicians and medical professionals in 18 locations in Savannah, Richmond Hill, Pooler, Rincon, Baxley, Hilton Head, Hinesville, and Statesboro. SouthCoast Health offers comprehensive medical services including: Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Allergy and Asthma, Cardiology, Endocrinology, Eye Care, Imaging, Infectious Diseases, Nephrology, Neurology, Physical Therapy, Podiatry, Surgery, Clinical Trial Research Studies, Diabetic Self-Management Training Sessions, Dietetic Counseling, Laboratory Services, Massage Therapy, Optical Shop, Pharmacy, and Urgent Care.
SouthCoast Health has 120 physicians and medical professionals in 18 locations in Savannah, Richmond Hill, Pooler, Rincon, Baxley, Hinesville, and Statesboro.
