Infectious diseases consultation (Infectious diseases specialist consultation)
An appointment with a specialist in infections, to assess symptoms such as persistent fever, a possible imported or tropical infection, or a complex or recurrent infection, and to plan tests and treatment.
✓ Medically reviewed by a GMC-registered consultant · last reviewed September 2026 · next review September 2027 · how we review
In short
- It is an appointment with an infection specialist to assess fever, possible imported or tropical infections, or complex and recurrent infections.
- Your travel and exposure history is central — some imported infections, such as malaria, can become serious quickly and need urgent attention.
- The aim is the right diagnosis and a safe plan, which sometimes means reassurance that no serious infection is present.
- If you are seriously unwell — high fever, confusion, breathlessness or rapid deterioration — this needs urgent care now, not a routine appointment.
A plain-English summary. The detail — including risks and recovery — is below.
At a glance
A general guide. Your specialist will give you advice for your situation.
Expert assessment of confusing or persistent infections
Anyone who is severely unwell and needs emergency care now rather than a routine appointment.
You have a history, examination and an initial plan. Some tests, such as a malaria film, can be processed quickly.
A clear plan listing which tests are pending and when results are expected.
You have a history, examination and an initial plan. Some tests, such as a malaria film, can be processed quickly.
Early blood and urgent results return. Treatment may be started or adjusted on the basis of these.
Cultures, specialised tests or imaging results come back and refine the diagnosis and plan.
If treatment is started, your symptoms are reviewed to see whether they improve, and the plan changed if not.
What is an infectious diseases consultation?
An infectious diseases consultation is an appointment with a doctor who specialises in infections. They assess symptoms that may be caused by an infection — for example a persistent or unexplained fever, an illness after travel abroad, a long-lasting or recurrent infection, or an unusual infection that is hard to diagnose or treat.
The specialist (an infectious diseases physician) takes a detailed history — including travel, activities, contacts, animals, food and water, and your wider health — examines you, and arranges targeted tests. The travel history is often crucial, because some imported infections, such as malaria, can become serious quickly and need to be found and treated without delay.
The appointment is about reaching a diagnosis and a safe plan. That might mean blood tests, samples, imaging, starting or changing antibiotics, or arranging close follow-up. Sometimes the conclusion is reassuring — that there is no serious infection — which is itself useful.
Some infections must be treated urgently or are notifiable to public health, so an infectious diseases service may also liaise with public health and other specialists. This is not a service to push treatment; it is to identify what is actually wrong and treat only what needs treating.
Types, options & approaches
There may be different ways to do this. The right approach depends on the clinical question and your circumstances.
Options at a glance
These are the main approaches described in this guide. The right option depends on the diagnosis, your goals and what your clinician thinks is safe.
Fever in a returning traveller
Assessment of fever or illness after travel abroad, looking first for infections that are rapidly progressive, treatable or transmissible, such as malaria, before considering...
Persistent or unexplained infection
Investigation of a long-lasting fever, infection that will not clear, or repeated infections, to find the cause and an effective treatment.
Suspected tropical or imported infection
Targeted work-up for infections linked to specific destinations or exposures, such as dengue, typhoid, or parasitic infections.
Complex or resistant infection management
Advice on difficult infections, including those needing prolonged or intravenous antibiotics, or where resistance is a concern.
Preparing for your appointment
- Write down your symptoms, when they started, and how they have changed, including any fever pattern.
- List all travel in the last year: countries, rural or urban areas, dates, and activities such as freshwater swimming, safaris or eating street food.
- Note any insect or animal bites, sexual history if relevant, and contact with unwell people.
- Record any malaria prevention tablets or travel vaccines you had, and whether you took them as advised.
- Bring a full list of your medicines, allergies and any ongoing health conditions, especially anything affecting your immune system.
- Gather previous test results, hospital letters and a record of any antibiotics already tried.
- If you feel very unwell before the appointment, seek urgent care rather than waiting.
What happens
The specialist begins with a detailed conversation about your symptoms, travel, exposures and health. This history shapes everything that follows, so be as specific as you can about places, dates and activities.
They then examine you, looking for clues such as rashes, swollen glands, an enlarged liver or spleen, or signs of where an infection might be.
Targeted tests are arranged — these may include blood tests, blood films for malaria, cultures of blood or other samples, stool or urine tests, and sometimes imaging such as an ultrasound or scan. Some results are quick; others take days or weeks, and some infections need repeated testing.
You will usually leave with an initial plan: which tests are being done, whether to start or change treatment, what to watch for, and when you will be seen or contacted again. If you are seriously unwell, you may be admitted to hospital straight away.
Is this appointment right for me?
A good consultation should explore whether it's the right choice for you now — including reasons to wait or consider something else.
May not be suitable if…
- Anyone who is severely unwell and needs emergency care now rather than a routine appointment.
- Using a private consultation to obtain antibiotics 'just in case' without proper assessment.
- When symptoms clearly belong to another specialty and infection is not the issue.
- Expecting a single visit to resolve a complex infection that needs ongoing inpatient care.
Delay or rearrange if…
- You are deteriorating and should be seen as an emergency instead.
- Key information — recent travel details, previous results, medicines — is missing but obtainable.
- You have just started antibiotics that may need to be stopped before certain tests (such as blood cultures) to get a reliable result.
- An urgent infection such as suspected malaria is possible, in which case immediate assessment, not a routine slot, is needed.
Alternatives to discuss
- Urgent or emergency care for severe or rapidly worsening illness.
- Assessment by your GP for many common, self-limiting infections.
- A different specialty if the problem is not primarily an infection.
- Public health or travel clinic advice for prevention rather than treatment.
- Watchful waiting with clear safety-netting for mild, settling symptoms.
Before you decide
Use this as a shared-decision checklist. The aim is not just “can this be done?”, but whether it is right for you, now, with the risks and alternatives clearly understood.
What matters most to me?
Think about symptoms, daily life, work, caring responsibilities, sport, fertility, travel, appearance and anxiety — the right choice depends on your priorities, not just the medical facts.
What are all my options?
Ask about waiting, monitoring, medicines, rehabilitation, a smaller or larger procedure, a different test, NHS referral, or a second opinion where that would help.
What would make me pause?
Active infection, pregnancy, unstable medical problems, smoking, medicines that increase bleeding, poor support at home, or feeling pressured are all reasons to slow down and get tailored advice.
What happens if I do nothing today?
For some problems, waiting is safe; for others, delay can make treatment harder. A good consultation should explain the trade-off in plain English.
Benefits
- Expert assessment of confusing or persistent infections
- Early identification of serious, treatable infections such as malaria
- Targeted testing rather than unnecessary 'scattergun' investigation
- A clear treatment plan, including stopping antibiotics that are not needed
- Advice on preventing spread to others where relevant
- Reassurance when no serious infection is found
Risks & complications
- Discomfort or bruising from blood tests
- Needing several tests, some of which must be repeated
- Waiting for results before a firm diagnosis is reached
- Uncertainty if no specific cause is initially found
- Incidental findings that lead to further tests
- Side effects from any treatment started
- Needing referral to another specialty for part of the problem
- A serious infection deteriorating while results are awaited, which is why warning signs and urgent access matter
- An allergic or adverse reaction to a prescribed medicine
The main risk is delay in recognising a serious infection. Some imported infections, especially malaria, can worsen quickly, so it is vital you know the warning signs and how to get urgent help if you deteriorate before results are back. Tell the specialist about anything that weakens your immune system, as this changes which infections are likely and how urgently they must be treated.
Published figures to discuss
This is a consultation, so procedure-style complication rates do not really apply. The meaningful uncertainties are diagnostic — some infections are missed on a first set of tests, certain tests have false negatives, and a normal result does not exclude every infection. Rather than invent figures, this guide stresses targeted testing, clear safety advice and follow-up so that a serious infection is not missed.
| Figure | Reported range | How to interpret it | Source / confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diagnosis not made at first consultation | Common in complex infection work | Cultures, serology, PCR, imaging and repeat testing may take time or need to be timed to illness stage. | NHS — Malarianhs.ukSource-linked context |
| Sepsis, meningitis or malaria missed | Critical safety risk | Rapid deterioration, confusion, neck stiffness, breathlessness, rash, low blood pressure or fever after malaria-area travel needs urgent care. | NHS — Malarianhs.ukSource-linked context |
| Antibiotics given when not needed | Recognised stewardship issue | Unnecessary antibiotics can cause side effects, C. difficile, resistance and false-negative cultures. | Guide sourcesClinical context |
| Public-health implications missed | Condition-dependent | TB, measles, meningococcal disease, food poisoning clusters and certain travel infections may need notification and contact management. | NHS — Malarianhs.ukSource-linked context |
These are literature figures, not a personalised prediction. Your own risks and likely benefits depend on your circumstances, your health, and how your care is carried out and followed up.
What happens afterwards
There is no physical recovery from the appointment. Afterwards is about awaiting and acting on test results, starting any treatment, and knowing when to seek help.
- A bruise at the blood test site
- Continuing symptoms while tests are processed
- Starting a course of treatment with its own effects
- Being asked to repeat a test or provide further samples
- Some uncertainty until specialised results return
Aftercare
- Take any prescribed treatment exactly as directed and complete the course unless told otherwise.
- Watch for the warning signs you are given and seek urgent care if you deteriorate.
- Provide any requested samples and attend for repeat tests promptly.
- Avoid spreading infection where advised — for example hand hygiene, or avoiding others while infectious.
- Keep your follow-up appointment so results can be explained and acted on.
- Tell the team about side effects from any new medicine.
- Keep a note of your travel and exposure history for future appointments.
- Symptom and fever diary written down
- Detailed travel and exposure history prepared
- Record of malaria tablets and travel vaccines taken
- Medicines, allergies and conditions listed
- Previous results and antibiotics tried gathered
- Plan for urgent help if you feel worse
- Questions for the specialist noted
⚠ Get urgent help if…
- A high temperature with shivering, confusion or drowsiness
- Breathlessness, chest pain or a very fast heartbeat
- A spreading rash, especially one that does not fade when pressed
- Severe headache, neck stiffness or sensitivity to light
- Being unable to keep fluids down, or signs of dehydration
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes, or very dark urine
- Any rapid deterioration, particularly after recent travel to a malaria area
Who to contact: your clinician, clinic or test provider first (keep their number to hand). For urgent advice when you can't reach them, call NHS 111. In an emergency, call 999.
General guidance — it doesn't replace the specific advice your specialist gives you.
Results & realistic expectations
A good outcome is a clear diagnosis and an effective, targeted plan — or well-founded reassurance that there is no serious infection. For treatable infections such as malaria or typhoid, prompt diagnosis and treatment are what matter most.
Not every infection is identified at the first visit, and some need repeated or specialised testing. A normal set of results does not always exclude every infection, so follow-up and clear safety advice are part of a responsible assessment.
Most infections are diagnosed and treated within a defined period, after which the plan is complete. Some need longer courses of treatment or follow-up to confirm cure. If symptoms return or change, the assessment may need revisiting, and a fresh travel and exposure history taken.
Related tests, treatments or support
An infectious diseases consultation often works alongside other tests and specialties — for example microbiology and the laboratory, imaging, or other physicians where an infection affects a specific organ. In immunosuppressed people, infection specialists frequently work with immunology or the team managing the underlying condition.
Follow-up & long-term care
You should be told which tests are pending, when results are expected, and how you will receive them. A follow-up appointment or letter explains the diagnosis and plan, confirms whether treatment is working, and arranges any further review. You should have a clear route to urgent help if you deteriorate before then.
- Complete and follow up any prescribed treatment course
- Attend for repeat or pending tests as arranged
- Keep a record of travel and exposures for future care
- Seek review if symptoms return or change
Repeat, follow-on and what comes next
- Diagnoses can change as results return, and treatment may be adjusted.
- Some infections need repeat or specialised testing before they are confirmed.
- Antibiotics may be started, stopped or switched as more information emerges.
- Follow-up may be needed to confirm cure or to reassess if symptoms persist.
Ask what happens if the result is unclear or needs repeating, and what is included if further tests or follow-up are needed.
What good aftercare looks like
- A clear plan listing which tests are pending and when results are expected.
- Written warning signs and a route to urgent help if you deteriorate.
- A named contact for questions and for receiving results.
- Review of whether any treatment is working, with adjustment if not.
- Onward referral or public health liaison where appropriate.
What affects the cost
Costs vary a great deal between people and providers, and we don't publish prices. What matters is understanding what drives the cost and making sure your quote is complete. The main things that affect it:
- Length and complexity of the consultation
- Number and type of tests (blood tests, cultures, malaria films, stool or urine tests)
- Imaging such as ultrasound or scans, if needed
- Specialised or reference-laboratory tests for unusual infections
- Any treatment started, including intravenous antibiotics
- Follow-up appointments and written reports
- Whether hospital admission is required
- The infectious diseases specialist consultation fee
- Which tests are included and the laboratory fee for each
- Cost of any imaging arranged
- Cost of any treatment, including intravenous antibiotics
- Follow-up appointments and written results or plan
- What happens, and what it costs, if results are inconclusive or admission is needed
- Cancellation policy
On the NHS? Infectious diseases assessment is available on the NHS and is often arranged urgently when needed; private appointments are sometimes used for speed, choice or a second opinion.
You're entitled to your total cost in writing — including reports, follow-up and what happens if the result is inconclusive — before you decide.
Consent traps and marketing red flags
These are not small details. They are often where patients lose choice, time to reflect, or realistic expectations.
Consent traps
- Prescribing antibiotics without a clear indication or plan to review them.
- Not explaining that a normal result does not rule out every infection.
- Failing to give clear warning signs and an urgent-access route while results are awaited.
- Not taking, or not acting on, a full travel and exposure history.
- Overlooking immunosuppression, which changes the risk and urgency.
Marketing red flags
- Offering antibiotic courses or 'infection screens' without proper assessment.
- Promising a same-day diagnosis for any infection.
- Selling broad, untargeted test panels as a substitute for clinical assessment.
- Downplaying the urgency of fever after travel to a malaria area.
Choosing a specialist safely
- Check the specialist is on the GMC Specialist Register for this area.
- Make sure they work at a CQC-registered service, and look for membership of the relevant Royal College or professional body.
- You're entitled to time to consider and to have your questions answered before you agree — the specialist who looks after you should explain it, not a salesperson.
- Be wary of pressure: time-limited offers or deposits taken before you've had time to think are red flags, not bargains.
- You're entitled to your total cost in writing — including any follow-up — before you decide.
Questions to ask your medical professional
Take this to your consultation. A good specialist will welcome every one of these.
- Based on my history, which infections are you most concerned about?
- Which tests are you doing, and when will the results be back?
- What are the warning signs that mean I should seek urgent help before then?
- Do I need treatment now, or should we wait for results?
- Could my immune system or medicines change which infections are likely?
- What happens if the tests do not find a cause?
- Is my condition infectious to others, and what precautions should I take?
- Are you on the GMC Specialist Register for this area, and which Royal College or professional body are you a member of?
- Will you be the specialist who carries out my appointment, and who looks after me afterwards?
- What are the risks for someone like me, and how often do your own patients have a problem or need it repeated or redone?
- What does a realistic result look like — and what can this appointment not achieve?
- What are my options, including waiting, doing nothing for now, or choosing a different approach?
- Can I have written information, results and aftercare instructions in a format I can use, including any accessibility or communication support I need?
- What is the total cost in writing, including any follow-ups, and how much time do I have to decide?
Frequently asked questions
Can I see an infectious diseases specialist on the NHS?
I feel very unwell after travelling — should I wait for an appointment?
Why are they asking so much about my travel and activities?
Will I definitely get a diagnosis on the day?
Will I be given antibiotics?
Could my symptoms not be an infection at all?
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How we made this page
Medically reviewed by a GMC-registered consultant. Written in plain English, checked against NHS, NICE, GMC and relevant Royal College / specialist-society guidance, and kept under review. No clinic paid to appear on this page, and we publish no pricing. This is general information to help you prepare — it is not a substitute for advice from your own clinician. How we review our guides →
Source hierarchy: UK regulator and NHS/NICE guidance first, then relevant Royal College or specialist-society guidance, then peer-reviewed evidence for procedure-specific figures where available.
Sources & standards: NHS — Malaria Fit for Travel (NHS Scotland) — fever after travel and travel-associated infections TravelHealthPro (NaTHNaC) — illness after travel NICE CKS — Fever in returning travellers / feverish illness British Infection Association Royal College of Physicians — infectious diseases specialty
Reviews reflect patients' experience of care, not clinical outcomes. For procedure volumes and outcome data see PHIN.
Last medically reviewed 2026-09-21. Spotted something wrong or out of date? Report an error in this guide.
Related guides: Pre-travel health consultation · Travel vaccinations · Biologic / immunomodulatory therapy · Antimalarial tablets and advice · Bone and joint infection management