Services | Infectious Disease

Woman with a cold blowing her nose with a tissue

You can't see them, but bacteria, viruses and other tiny organisms can wreak havoc on your health. The CHA infectious disease team diagnoses and treats conditions caused by these pests. We use the latest tests and techniques to understand what's going on with your health, and work together with you and your care team to best address your health needs.

Infectious Disease Care at its Best

Specialized expertise

We provide the same high-quality treatment as larger hospitals, but in a community setting. You matter to us, no matter how simple or serious your disease. Our board-certified physicians understand all types of infectious diseases, helping you with everything from lingering bacterial infections to travel medicine, sexually transmitted infections, hepatitis and HIV co-infection and disease risks for people with opioid addiction.

We're also one of the few healthcare systems with an infectious disease clinical pharmacist on staff, who brings treatment expertise for unusual or uncommon diseases.

Keeping your loved ones and community safe

A big part of our work is helping keep diseases from spreading. That's why you will find counseling and education to help you keep your disease from spreading to loved ones. We also work closely with local public health departments to control disease and keep people healthy.

Special Services for Common Conditions

For Flu Season

Why get the flu shot?
Getting the flu feels awful. While most people recover within two weeks, it can be life threatening for some. Children under five, adults over 65 or pregnant women are at higher risk for flu complications. If you have a medical condition like asthma, neurological conditions, chronic lung disease or heart disease, you’re also more susceptible to serious effects from the flu. Visit the CDC website for a complete list of who is more at risk and who should get the flu shot.

You can protect yourself this season! Ask your CHA primary care team about how and where to get the flu shot.

Hepatitis

CHA has a full range of services for the treatment and prevention of hepatitis. Our Hepatitis Clinic at the CHA Somerville Campus (6th floor, south building) evaluates and treats patients with Hepatitis B and C. Patients co-infected with HIV are also welcome. Appointments are available Monday mornings.

HIV

CHA offers compassionate, expert medical care and social services to patients who are HIV positive or at high risk of infection at the Zinberg Clinic at CHA Cambridge Hospital. Services include primary care, specialty care, mental health and social services (including case management) and acupuncture.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is a serious lung disease that spreads easily, so it's important to get treatment fast. CHA offers complete TB services at the Schipellite Chest Center at CHA Cambridge Hospital. X-rays, lab tests, medications and visits are all available free of charge, paid by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

Note: This clinic does not do TB skin testing for routine work requirements. Please see your primary care doctor.