Understanding Infectious Diseases: The Basics

When we hear the words infectious disease, many of us immediately think of colds, the flu, or even COVID-19. The truth is, infectious diseases cover a wide range of illnesses, and they’re something we all deal with at some point in life. Some infections are mild and clear up on their own, while others can become serious and even life-threatening if not properly treated. That’s why understanding the basics is so important—it gives us the power to protect ourselves and our loved ones.

At Cadet Solutions - DBA Health & Infectious Disease Care (HIDC), we specialize in just that: preventing, diagnosing, treating, and managing infections with expert care and compassion. Dr. Cadet, our board-certified infectious disease specialist, has built a practice in Orlando dedicated to helping patients not only heal but also stay healthy in the long run.

What Exactly Are Infectious Diseases?

Infectious diseases are caused by germs that find their way into our bodies and multiply. These germs can come in several forms:

• Bacteria – Responsible for illnesses like urinary tract infections (UTIs), strep throat, and even serious conditions such as osteomyelitis (bone infections).

• Viruses – These are behind diseases like COVID-19, hepatitis, HIV, and influenza.

• Fungi – They can cause everything from skin infections to more serious illnesses like Aspergillosis and Histoplasmosis.

• Parasites – Less common in the U.S. but still impactful, parasites can lead to intestinal infections or diseases like malaria.

The tricky part is that these germs spread in different ways. Some are passed through person-to-person contact, others through contaminated food or water, insect bites, or even the air we breathe.

Why Expert Diagnosis Matters

Here’s the thing: not every infection is easy to identify. Symptoms like fever, fatigue, or body aches could point to several different illnesses. That’s why an accurate diagnosis is so important—it’s the difference between getting the right treatment or battling symptoms that just won’t go away.

At HIDC, Dr. Cadet uses advanced diagnostic tools and works closely with other specialists—pulmonologists, dermatologists, surgeons, and more—to ensure every patient gets a care plan tailored to their needs. We treat everything from sudden infections like pneumonia or UTIs to chronic conditions such as HIV or hepatitis.

The Challenge of Antibiotic Resistance

One of the biggest concerns in healthcare today is antibiotic resistance. Over time, bacteria have learned how to outsmart certain medications. That means the antibiotics that used to work may not be as effective anymore.

At HIDC, we take this very seriously. Cadet emphasizes patient education—teaching people when antibiotics are needed, when they aren’t, and how to use them safely. By doing this, we help protect our patients today and preserve the effectiveness of these important medications for the future.

Prevention is Just as Important as Treatment

The good news is, there are ways to lower your risk of infection before it even starts. At HIDC, prevention is at the heart of what we do. That includes:

✔ Vaccinations to protect against illnesses like the flu, COVID-19, hepatitis, and even travel-related diseases. ✔ Education on everyday practices like proper hygiene and responsible antibiotic use. ✔ Support for people living with chronic infections, giving them the tools and treatments to stay as healthy as possible.

We believe prevention is powerful—it saves lives, lowers healthcare costs, and gives patients peace of mind.

Why Patients Choose HIDC

What makes our approach special is that we don’t just focus on treating the illness—we focus on the person. Our mission has always been to deliver compassionate, high-quality care while empowering our patients with knowledge.

Dr. Cadet isn’t just a specialist. He’s also a teacher and a community advocate who truly cares about helping people live healthier lives. Whether it’s treating a sudden infection or helping someone manage a lifelong condition, his approach is always the same: patient-first, detail-oriented, and built around long-term wellness.

With convenient hours on Mondays and Saturdays, and a welcoming clinic located right here in Orlando at 1900 Hillcrest St, HIDC is here for anyone who needs expert infectious disease care.

Take Control of Your Health

Infectious diseases can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face them alone. With the right knowledge and the right specialist by your side, infections can be prevented, managed, and treated effectively.

At Cadet Solutions - DBA Health & Infectious Disease Care, our priority is simple: your health. Whether it’s vaccines, education, or advanced treatments, we’re here to help you take charge of your well-being and protect your future.

Your health is our priority, and your well-being is our mission.