Infectious Diseases Care

The Rush Approach to Infectious Diseases Care

At Rush, you’ll receive care from clinicians who are leaders in researching, treating and diagnosing infectious diseases. They specialize in all types of infectious diseases, which are caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites.

Diagnosing and treating these conditions requires a team approach — and that includes you. We take time to understand you and your symptoms and work with a variety of specialists to create a tailored treatment plan.

Rush Excellence in Infectious Diseases Care

• Leaders in addressing COVID-19: Rush is a leader in COVID-19 (coronavirus 2019) testing, treatment and research. Our facilities and staff are uniquely prepared to handle infectious disease outbreaks, such as COVID-19. When the Tower at Rush University Medical Center opened in 2012, it became the first Chicago-area hospital specifically designed to provide treatment for an infectious disease outbreak.
• Equipped for rare disease treatment: Rush University Medical Center was named a Special Pathogens Treatment Center by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Designated hospitals are equipped to provide the complex treatment necessary to care for people with Ebola. We use those same high standards to care for you regardless of the diagnosis.
• Thoughtful use of antibiotics: Rush University Medical Center is one of a select group of hospitals designated as an Antimicrobial Stewardship Center of Excellence by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. The designation recognizes hospitals that carefully manage the use of antibiotics, as we try to contain the spread of antibiotic-resistant diseases.
• Curbing superbugs: You'll be cared for by the same experts from Rush who are part of the Chicago Prevention and Intervention Epicenter, a national leader in researching the spread and prevention of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has awarded the epicenter nearly $10 million in grants in support of this work.
• Innovative public – academic partnerships: The Regional Innovative Public Health Laboratory is a novel partnership between Chicago’s Department of Public Health and Rush University Medical Center to monitor and study health threats using advanced lab techniques and data analysis.
• Innovative research: Infectious disease experts at Rush are active in research to find the most effective ways to prevent and treat infectious diseases, including COVID-19, HIV and AIDS, and drug-resistant disorders. Participating in one of our clinical trials might give you access to new treatments before they're widely available.